Movie spotlight
Shayda, a young Iranian woman living in Australia, finds refuge in a women’s shelter with her 6-year-old daughter, Mona. Having fled her husband, Hossein, and filed for divorce, Shayda struggles to maintain normalcy for Mona. Buoyed by the approach of Nowruz, she tries to forge a fresh start with new and unfettered freedoms. But when a judge grants Hossein visitation rights, he reenters their life, stoking Shayda’s fear that he’ll attempt to take Mona back to Iran.
In 1980s Australia, an Iranian mother named Shayda fights for her freedom and custody of her daughter. As her abusive husband attempts to regain control, Shayda finds strength in a new community and begins to assert her independence. The film explores themes of cultural identity, resilience, and the courage it takes to break free from oppressive circumstances.
Shayda received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and sensitive exploration of cultural and domestic issues. Audiences also responded well to its themes of empowerment and resilience.
A deeply personal and resonant portrayal of a woman's fight for self-determination.
Features a standout performance by Zar Amir Ebrahimi, anchoring the film with emotional depth.
Successfully balances intimate family drama with broader cultural and political commentary.
Google audience: Google users largely praised the film for its emotional depth, compelling narrative, and the powerful performances of its lead actors, particularly Zar Amir Ebrahimi. Many found the story to be inspiring and relatable, highlighting its exploration of female strength and cultural identity.
Won the Audience Award at the 2023 Melbourne International Film Festival and the Audience Award at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival. Nominated for Best Film at the 2023 Sydney Film Festival.
Director Noora Niasari drew inspiration for the film from her own mother's experiences as an Iranian refugee in Australia.
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**By: Louisa Moore / www.ScreenZealots.com** The tenacity of a mother’s love provides the strong foundation for writer / director Noora Niasari‘s “Shayda,” a harrowing portrait of an Iranian woman who is doing her best to make the most o...