Hull Independent Cinema: Shayda

Dir Noora Niasari | Australia | 2024 | 118 mins | Rated 15 | English, Persian

Shayda, an Iranian woman, finds refuge from her violent and controlling husband in an Australian women’s shelter with her six-year-old daughter, Mona. Over Nowruz, the Persian New Year, they take solace in ritual and celebration, and Shayda rediscovers her joyful former self. There’s even the chance of a new relationship and a fresh start for them both. But neither her husband nor the more conservative elements of her community are about to forgive her for fleeing her marriage.

Starring Leah Purcell, Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Lucinda Armstrong Hall

AWARDS AND FESTIVALS
Sundance Film Festival: Winner, Audience Award; Nominee, Grand Jury Prize
Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards: Winner, 2 awards inc Best Actress
Directors Guild of America: Nominee, Best Director of First Film
Australian Directors Guild Awards: Winner, Best Director of Feature Film

REVIEWS
“Tension is skillfully sustained throughout and the drama has a pressurising effect…” ★★★★ Luke Buckmaster, The Guardian

“This debut fiction feature from the Australian-Iranian documentary director Noora Niasari proves a worthy vehicle for the incendiary talents of Zar Amir Ebrahimi.” ★★★★ Kevin Maher, The Times

“In her first narrative feature, Niasari, who based the story in part on her own experiences, demonstrates an astounding control of pacing and mood.” Natalia Winkelman, The New York Times

“It is the director’s personal experience that ultimately allows for a thoughtful impact on audiences long past the final scene.” Madeleine Wilson, Little White Lies