Virginia Film Festival

Audience Award, US Dramatic | Sundance Film Festival
Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, US Dramatic | Sundance Film Festival

Lelia, an Iranian-American woman living in New York City, grapples with the challenge of reconciling and embracing two seemingly conflicting cultures. Following a recent separation from her wife, she learns of an unexpected pregnancy resulting from a spontaneous post-breakup encounter. As her family comes to the city for her father’s heart transplant surgery, Lelia is confronted with the task of facing her often-disapproving mother, Shireen, and contemplating the prospect of motherhood. However, a revealed family secret leads Lelia and her mother to delve into their family’s shared history, focusing on her mother’s unique immigration journey from Iran to America.

The Persian Version, featuring elaborate dance sequences, vibrant color schemes, and witty dialogue, presents an unfiltered portrayal of a woman who remains true to herself, highlighting a heartfelt narrative centered on themes of family and a sense of belonging.

Introduction by Shilpa Davé (UVA). 

“Fizzy and fun for all the family.” –The Hollywood Reporter, Leslie Felperin