Maryam Keshavarz's Semi-Autobiographical Film "The Persian Version" Explores Struggle of Straddling Cultures, Wins Audience Award at Sundance

"The Persian Version," a boundary-pushing dramedy by Maryam Keshavarz, wins praise for its unique depiction of multicultural struggles and portrayal of immigrant women, amidst heightened global attention on women's rights in Iran.

Maryam Keshavarz's film, 'The Persian Version,' won an audience award at Sundance and has received praise for its depiction of the challenges faced by multicultural individuals, drawing from Keshavarz's own experiences as an Iranian woman in the United States.
The film presents a vivid portrayal of the fight against cultural norms and oppression faced by women in Iran, featuring scenes that symbolize the ongoing struggle, such as a character clad in a burkini, a combination of a niqab and bikini, symbolizing the cultural duality.
Set across decades and locales, 'The Persian Version' incorporates several elements unique to each character, with different cinematic tones to reflect their identities and periods within the cultural context.
The primary plot sees Iranian-American woman Leila, portrayed by Layla Mohammadi, navigating life after a breakup, and getting pregnant by a British drag performer, creating a contrast with the subplot centering on Leila's mother's experience during the 1970s in Iran.
Despite tackling serious themes, 'The Persian Version' balances humor and drama, featuring scenes filled with food, music, and dance, creating a more nuanced and humanized image of Iranian culture.