The Persian Version
Part of our Pride 2024 series!
In what Film Threat calls “a comedic and beautiful portrait of a Muslim immigrant family caught between the struggles of two cultures and two generations,” director Maryam Keshavarz brings us a semi-autobiographical film full of humor and heart that examines the strained relationship between mother and daughter, and ponders whether or not they’re really so different. “It's funny, but it's also raw. It's emotional and heartwarming in its truths. It will also leave you wanting to call your mother”–Collider.
The youngest of nine siblings and the only daughter in the family, openly queer filmmaker Leila feels as though she couldn’t be further alienated from her family of Iranian immigrants–that is, until she gets pregnant from a one-night stand after recently separating from her wife. Ali–Leila’s father–has a medical condition that necessitates a heart transplant, prompting the entire family to reunite in New York City for the operation. Now, Leila faces the impossible task of breaking her pregnancy to her imposing mother Shireen, a decision that results in the exploration of the family’s history and Shireen’s past.
“The Persian Version pulses with personality, striking an excellent balance between humor and heart. With kitschy fourth wall breaks abound and hilarious personality-driven one-liners, there's a deep sense of intimacy to the film’s comedy. The script's sharp wit and tonal shifts emphasize the emotional weight rather than undermining it.”–RogerEbert.com.
This film is eligible for the Youth Arts Access Fund. Call the Box Office at 207.873.7000 to obtain YAAF tickets. Pay it forward! Donate to YAAF here.
WATCH TRAILER >
In what Film Threat calls “a comedic and beautiful portrait of a Muslim immigrant family caught between the struggles of two cultures and two generations,” director Maryam Keshavarz brings us a semi-autobiographical film full of humor and heart that examines the strained relationship between mother and daughter, and ponders whether or not they’re really so different. “It's funny, but it's also raw. It's emotional and heartwarming in its truths. It will also leave you wanting to call your mother”–Collider.
The youngest of nine siblings and the only daughter in the family, openly queer filmmaker Leila feels as though she couldn’t be further alienated from her family of Iranian immigrants–that is, until she gets pregnant from a one-night stand after recently separating from her wife. Ali–Leila’s father–has a medical condition that necessitates a heart transplant, prompting the entire family to reunite in New York City for the operation. Now, Leila faces the impossible task of breaking her pregnancy to her imposing mother Shireen, a decision that results in the exploration of the family’s history and Shireen’s past.
“The Persian Version pulses with personality, striking an excellent balance between humor and heart. With kitschy fourth wall breaks abound and hilarious personality-driven one-liners, there's a deep sense of intimacy to the film’s comedy. The script's sharp wit and tonal shifts emphasize the emotional weight rather than undermining it.”–RogerEbert.com.
This film is eligible for the Youth Arts Access Fund. Call the Box Office at 207.873.7000 to obtain YAAF tickets. Pay it forward! Donate to YAAF here.
WATCH TRAILER >