Shayda, a brave Iranian mother, has fled her husband, finding refuge in an Australian women's shelter with her six-year-old daughter. Over the Persian New Year, they struggle to find normalcy in Nowruz rituals and new beginnings. But when her estranged husband re-enters their lives, Shayda's path to freedom is jeopardized.

Drawn from personal experiences, Iranian Australian filmmaker Noora Niasari's powerful debut feature is a poetic, beautifully crafted vérité portrait of courage and compassion, anchored by a heart-rending performance by Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider). Ebrahimi captures the vulnerability and conflict, but also the radiant soul, of an Iranian woman who boldly reclaims her human rights: to divorce her husband, dress as she chooses, and keep her child no matter the cost. Australian entry for Best International Feature

D: Noora Niasari, Australia, subtitled, 2024, 1h57m

Part of the Movies on the Map series, stories that will immerse you in the cultures and natural wonders from every continent.