The screening will be followed by Q&A with director Maryam Keshavarz, moderated by Boots Riley.
DAC is a community partner of this screening.
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 at arm’s 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 the U.S. 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.
CRITICAL SUCCESS
On top of Maryam being the only director in Sundance history to win the Audience Award twice, The Persian Version received overwhelmingly positive reviews and an impressive 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
PREDICTIONS
Variety Oscars Prediction List 2024 Best Actress: Layla Mohammadi
Variety Oscars Prediction List 2024 Best Supporting Actress: Niousha Noor
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