Shayda 2023

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Writer & Director: Noora Niasari
Produced by Vincent Sheehan ORIGMA 45, Cate Blanchette DIRTY FILMS, and Noora Niasari PARANDEH PICTURES
DP: Sherwin Akbarzadeh ACS
Production Designer: Josephine Wagstaff
Costume Designer: Zohie Castellano


Shayda, a brave Iranian mother, finds refuge in an Australian women’s shelter with her 6-year-old daughter. Over Persian New Year, they take solace in Nowruz rituals and new beginnings, but when her estranged husband re-enters their lives, Shayda’s path to freedom is jeopardized.


Winner of the ‘Audience Award’ Sundance Film Festival 2023
Opening Night Gala, Melbourne International Film Festival 2023
Closing Night Gala, Locarno International Film Festival 2023
Winner ‘Best Australian Film’ CinefestOZ 2023
Official Selection Centrepiece Program, Toronto International Film Festival 2023