Institute History
Description
Coming from two countries at odds with each other, Iranian-American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures, while boldly challenging the labels society is so quick to project upon her. When her family reunites in New York City for her father’s heart transplant, Leila navigates her relationships from arm's length in an effort to keep her “real” life separate from her family life. However, when her secret is unceremoniously revealed, so are the distinct parallels between her life and that of her mother, Shireen (Niousha Noor).
Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comedic relief, 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. Following the debut of her first narrative feature film, Circumstance (2011 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic and Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award nominee), writer-director and producer Maryam Keshavarz returns to Sundance with this compelling, intelligent, and timely story of both the Iranian, and the Iranian-American, experience.