The Persian Version
Closed Captioning | Open Captions on Wed | Audio Description CAST: Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shafieisabet DIRECTOR: Maryam Keshavarz
Coming from two countries at odds with each other, Iranian-American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures, while boldly challenging the labels society is so quick to project upon her. When her family reunites in New York City for her father's heart transplant, Leila navigates her relationships from arms length in an effort to keep her "real" life separate from her family life. However, when her secret is unceremoniously revealed, so are the distinct parallels between her life and that of her mother Shireen (Niousha Noor). Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comedic relief, and vibrant dance numbers, The Persian Version delivers an honest portrayal of a woman who remains unapologetically herself, blended seamlessly into a heartfelt story about family, belonging, and the undeniable influence of pop music. Winning both the Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in Dramatic Competition at this year's Sundance Film Festival, writer-director-producer Maryam Keshavarz delivers a universal and timely story of the Iranian and the Iranian-American experience.
The Persian Version tells an affecting and painful story about what womanhood demands and imagines, and about how someone can step forward into a life they sculpt for themselves at any age and in any place.Roxana Hadadi, New York Magazine/Vulture
"The Persian Version" pulses with personality, striking an excellent balance between humor and heart.Peyton Robinson, RogerEbert.com