Languages Archives: Persian

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Shorts 6: Comedy – Awkward Laughs

  Various

  Canada, Chile, Iran, United States     96 minutes

Synopsis

The works in this program muck around the dark corners of human experience, bringing forth the darkly comedic, can’t-help-but-laugh moments that arise in difficult times. Featuring works by Daniel Sinclair, Malia Ann, Azadeh Navai, Lou Marino, Peter Collins Campbell, and Éric K. Boulianne.

A surprise interruption during a fruitless therapy session brings a married couple closer than they thought possible in the hilarious The Breakthrough (U.S.). A lonely man is perplexed when his mother passes away and leaves him with her heart in a jar in the beautifully tender The Heart (U.S.). The endlessly charming Rizoo (Iran, U.S.) follows a rebellious 8-year-old who recently moved back to Tehran from the United States as she navigates familial and societal expectations. An intimate and endearing work of docu-fiction, Geranios (Chile) follows best friends whose effortless charisma and fierce dedication carries them through tough times. In the delightfully idiosyncratic Variations on a Theme (U.S.), a couple starts literally splitting into multiple versions of themselves. The ups and downs of a couple’s journey trying to get pregnant are humorously and compassionately explored in Making Babies (Canada).

 English, French, Persian, Spanish with subtitles 

Content Considerations
Violence
Learn about Festival content considerations...

Screenings & Events

Virtual Screening

This program will be available to stream from October 16 at 12:00pm CT to October 22 at 11:59pm CDT.

Sponsors

Comedy Program Sponsor

Logo: The Second City 329x75

Film Supporter

Logo: Canada 313x100

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Shorts 5: Drama – Breaking Points

  Various

  Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, France, Qatar, Switzerland, Turkey     95 minutes

Synopsis

These powerful shorts reflect on life’s twists and turns, exploring what we do in moments of profound impact. Featuring works by Valeria Hofmann, Kasım Ördek, Anya Chirkova, Meran Ismailsoy, Jorge Cadena, and Morad Mostafa.

A gamer reveals the sexist harassment and threats she receives from online trolls and finds they infiltrate more than just her computer in the tense thriller AliEN0089 (Chile, Argentina). A young couple is brought to a breaking point when their lifestyle of stealing cars goes too far in Together, Alone (Turkey, France). An Iranian immigrant enlists his son’s help to negotiate with his landlord with both disastrous and humorous results in Baba (Canada). In Flores del otro Patio (Colombia, Switzerland), a group of queer activists in the north of Colombia uses fearless performance art and direct action to protest the region’s largest coal mine. In the aftermath of a violent incident, a 17-year-old must do all he can to protect his family before it’s too late in the stunning and impactful I Promise You Paradise (Egypt, France, Qatar).

 Arabic, English, Persian, Spanish, Turkish with subtitles 

Content Considerations
Stalking, violence
Learn about Festival content considerations...

Screenings & Events

Virtual Screening

This program will be available to stream from October 16 at 12:00pm CT to October 22 at 11:59pm CDT.

Sponsors

Film Supporters

Logo: Canada 313x100

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Shot of a father and son sitting on a couch. The son is in the background and out of focus.

Baba [short film]

  Anya Chirkova, Meran Ismailsoy

  Canada     13 minutes

Synopsis

An Iranian immigrant enlists his son’s help to negotiate with his landlord with both disastrous and humorous results. Anchored by strong performances and some dizzying camerawork, Baba reflects the urgency and annoyance of helping a reckless family member.

This film screens as part of the Shorts 5: Drama – Breaking Points program.

  

 English, Persian with subtitles 

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A little girl stands and looks ahead in the middle of a kitchen.

Rizoo [short film]

  Azadeh Navai

  Iran, United States     16 minutes

Synopsis

This endlessly charming film follows a rebellious 8-year-old who recently moved back to Tehran from the United States as she navigates familial and societal expectations. Confused by the choice to wear a traditional head-scarf in her class portrait, Rizoo seeks the perspectives of others in this transitional moment.

This film screens as part of the Shorts 6: Comedy – Awkward Laughs program.

  

 Persian with subtitles 

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A group of well-dressed people dance in a ballroom.

The Persian Version

  Maryam Keshavarz

  United States     107 minutes

Synopsis

Coming from two countries that are at odds with each other, Iranian-American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance. She embraces her opposing cultures, while boldly challenging the ways she’s been defined by each of them. When her big, traditional family reunites in New York City for her father’s heart transplant, Leila must confront both her own identity and long-held conflicts — as well as some surprising parallels — with her mother, Shireen.

Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comic dialogue, and vibrant dance numbers, The Persian Version delivers an honest portrayal of a woman who remains unapologetically herself, blended seamlessly into a heartfelt story about family, belonging, and the undeniable influence of pop music. Winning both the Audience Award and Screenwriting Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Maryam Keshavarz delivers a universal and timely story reflecting the Iranian and Iranian-American experience.

 English, Persian with subtitles 

Screenings & Events

Media

Film Credits

  •   Anne Carey, Ben Howe, Luca Borghese, Maryam Keshavarz
  •   Maryam Keshavarz
  •   Abolfazl Talooni, Joanne Yarrow, A.C.E.
  •   André Jäger
  •   Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shafieisabet, Bijan Daneshmand, Bella Warda, Chiara Stella, Tom Byrne, Shervin Alenabi, Arty Froushan, Samuel Tehrani, Jerry Habibi, Reza Diako, Andrew Malik, Parmida Vand, Ash Goldeh
  •   Rostam Batmanglij
  •   Nyla Hazratjee, Amy Nauiokas
  •   Stage 6 Films, Marakesh Films, Archer Gray Production, AGX, A Bigger Boat

Sponsors

Comedy Program Sponsor

Logo: The Second City 329x75