Shayda dir. Noora Niasari (Audience World Dramatic Winner)

by Morgan Stone and Sienna Axe

Morgan: This film is an absolute gem! Shayda is based on the director's (Noora Niasari) experiences growing up in Australia in the 90s. Zar Amir Ebrahimi portrays Shayda, a mother who has recently fled her abusive husband and found a home within the safety of a women’s shelter with her daughter Mona, portrayed by Selina Zahednia. The film primarily follows a two week period immediately after arriving at the house, and prior to Nowruz, the Iranian new year, and both the celebration and turmoil that leads up to it.

What I loved about this film was the tact of the filmmaking. The shots were understated, but still so powerful in their nuance. I was surprised to learn that this is Niasari's feature film debut, because she seemed to have such a clear voice in how the film was crafted. Both main actresses give spectacular performances, and the mother/daughter relationship built between the two of them feels realistic and touching. Ebrahimi's performance especially stands out and truly pulled at my heartstrings.

This film balances serious dramatic elements with scenes exhibiting pure joy, and very little transitioning between the two seems jarring. The film being based on the director's own life makes it feel more personal, and it seems a lot of thought was put into the details of creating the atmosphere. Niasari is a director to look out for, and I expect great things from. I highly recommend seizing the chance to see Shayda upon mass release!

Sienna: What strikes me most about Shayda is the relationship between Shayda, her daughter Mona, and her husband Hossein. There are so many delightful pockets of joy whenever Shayda and Mona are alone, but when Hossein enters the equation, the whole film vibrates with fear. One particularly effective scene keeps its perspective at Mona's eye level, giving the audience only enough information to know we should feel dread.

But for all its dark moments, Shayda is truly a joy to watch: its vibrant colors, aspect ratio, and soundtrack work together to place itself squarely in the 90s. And as Morgan said, Ebrahimi is truly spectacular; her character's driving sense of love is overwhelming, and the film is stronger for it.