305 S. Campbell, Suite 101
Springfield, MO 65806
(417) 429-0800
info@moxiecinema.com
This is an Open Captions screening
When a large Iranian-American family gathers, a family secret is uncovered that catapults the estranged mother and daughter into an exploration of the past, and to discover they are more alike than they know. (R, 107 min.)
5:00 PM
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 at 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.
Winning both the Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, writer-director-producer Maryam Keshavarz delivers a universal and timely story of the Iranian and the Iranian-American experience. [SPC]
Starring: Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shafieisabet, Bijan Daneshmand, Bella Warda, Chiara Stella, Tom Byrne, Shervin Alenabi
Director: Maryam Keshavarz
Genre(s): Comedy, Drama, Romance
"'The Persian Version' pulses with personality, striking an excellent balance between humor and heart."
— Peyton Robinson, RogerEbert.com
"Maryam Kesharvarz's The Persian Version is an ebullient rule-breaker, and it does so in the name of the many women it wants to celebrate."
— Nick Allen, RogerEbert.com
"A funny, soulful journey across language and time that also offers an illuminating look at the complexities of motherhood and identity."
— Candice Frederick, Huffington Post
"Kesharvarz uses family secrets, pop culture, and lived experiences to connect us to a full and sweet story of mothers, daughters, and womanhood."
— Shelli Nicole, Autostraddle
"The Persian Version is a film that is a visually colorful and vibrant celebration of how immigrant families traverse two cultures only to find that the real divides are often within our own families."
— Josh Flanders, Chicago Reader
