Shayda – Noora Niasari, English &Persian

Shayda

An Iranian woman living in Australia finds refuge in a Woman’s Shelter, having fled from her husband’s violence. He is studying medicine, and she fears he will attempt to take their frightened 6-year-old daughter Mona back to Iran when he graduates.

Shayda is a Persian / Iranian Psychological Drama.

Starring: Zar Amir Ebrahimi as Shayda and Osamah Sami as her husband Hossei 

Director and screenwriter: Noora Niasari.

Shayda is an understated yet impactful story of female empowerment. An Iranian mother living in Australia finds refuge in a woman’s shelter with her frightened 6-year-old daughter Mona.

Having fled from her husband Hossain, who is studying medicine in Australia, she struggles to maintain normality for Mona. Her studies abroad came to an end when the regime in Tehran canceled her scholarship. Shayda is proud of her Persian heritage, and her story takes place against NOWRUZ (Persian New Year). Buoyed by its approach, Shayda tries to forge a fresh start with her new unfettered freedom. Mona learns Iranian words daily, and Shayda quotes soothing scriptures to a woman in the shelter who fears her son will be taken from her.

When a Judge grants Hossein visitation rights to re-enter their life, Shayda fears that he will attempt to take Mona back to Iran. It is unclear whether the father will reappear for a short while, but when he does finally turn up, he takes his daughter out unsupervised for a fast food lunch but fails to return on time. Shayda fears for the worst. Hossein says he wouldn’t be late if he were allocated more time when he finally comes back. His attitude to Shayda and women in general is one of condescension. He sees independent thought as rebellion, warning his wife, “You can change your appearance, but it doesn’t change who you are.” He means what she is to him, his wife, his property”. Divorce is a very serious matter within the Iranian culture. So much so that Shayda even faces criticism from her mother, who tells her “no one is perfect” at least he is a good father.” Shayda is proud of her Persian heritage, and it is no coincidence that her story takes place against the backdrop of NOWRUZ, the Iranian New Year.

Drawn from personal experiences, Iranian Australian filmmaker Noora Niasari’s debut feature is a well-crafted poetic portrayal of courage and compassion.April 22nd 2024