Shayda

AroView: This Australian drama filmed mostly in the Persian language is made something special by two magnetic actresses. Iranian émigré Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider) is almost upstaged by her six-year-old co-star as a mother and daughter forced to stay in a Melbourne women’s refuge during the two weeks of the Iranian New Year (Nowrooz).

Based on the experiences of writer-director Noora Niasari and her own mother, the tough and tender details of her dramatization make it personal film-making at its best.

“Throughout all of it, Ebrahimi gives a performance that, even in immense isolation, tells a whole story on its own and leaves a lingering impression long after the film itself comes to a close.” ~Chase Hutchinson, Collider

“Niasari carefully and assuredly handles an intense and emotional story with ease and vulnerability.” ~Mae Abdulbaki, Screen Rant