THE PERSIAN VERSION

Coming from two countries at odds with each other, Iranian-American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures, while challenging the labels society is 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, attempting 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). Featuring vibrant dance numbers and clever dialogue, The Persian Version delivers an entertaining and honest portrayal of a woman who remains unapologetically herself combined with a heartfelt story about family, belonging, and the undeniable influence of pop music. Based in part on her own Iranian-American experience, writer-director-producer Maryam Keshavarz has crafted a universal and timely story – of mother and daughter, of families and secrets, of searching for home and finding one’s power. The Persian Version received both the Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.  

107 min.