Yusif Sheykhov first became famous at the age of 13 for playing the pioneer Eldar in the film 'The Magic Robe'. He later held various positions at the 'Azerbaijanfilm' studio, and from 1979 to 1985 at the State Committee for Cinematography. From 1985 to 1989 he headed the 'Azerkinoprokat' agency. From 1990 to 2001 he served as deputy general director of the 'Azerkinovideo' association. His attachment to cinema began in childhood — after an episodic role in the film 'I Will Dance' and one of the lead roles in 'The Magic Robe'. He is the screenwriter of several documentaries ('Gobustan', 'Portrait. Tokay Mammadov', 'Prayer' and others), animated films ('Gold', 'The Dog Show') and the feature film 'The Future Left Behind'. He also wrote storylines for the 'Mozalan' newsreel, including 'Repentance' and 'Halal'. For his services to the development of Azerbaijani cinema, he was awarded the honorary title of Honoured Cultural Worker of Azerbaijan on 18 December 2000.
