Ilgar Najaf (Bayram Najafov) was born in the Vedibasar district of Western Azerbaijan (Ararat region). In 1988, he was forced to leave his home with his family and moved to Sumgayit.

He studied at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, specializing in film and television directing (1993-1997).

In 2003, he graduated from the film directing courses of director Krzysztof Zanussi within the framework of the International “Avanti” project held by the Swiss FOCAL organization. He participated in the Talent Campus section of the Berlin Film Festival. His films have participated in various international festivals and have been awarded prizes.

He is a member of the Asia-Pacific Film Academy (APSA).

In 2005, he founded the “Buta film” film company.