The Persian Version

A screwball-comedy and family drama with a punch where Leila, a young Iranian-American woman in New York, grapples with the tug-of-war between two cultures, making desperate attempts to navigate the delicate balance between her conflicting identities.

Being the only girl in a family with eight brothers, Leila's biggest challenge is her relationship with her mother, Shirin. The family fled from Iran when the Shah fell and now lives in New York. When her father's heart transplant is scheduled, they all come together. Unexpectedly, Leila becomes pregnant after a night with a drag queen. Long-held secrets come to light, revealing clear parallels to her mother's past. Director Maryam Keshavarz, with a delightful color palette and sharp dialogue, has crafted a beautiful portrayal of a woman who simply yearns to be herself and be accepted for who she is. The Persian Version is a screwball comedy and a family drama with a punch.

Lasse Skagen

Q&A with the director

For the screening of THE PERSIAN VERSION on Saturday NOV 18 at 17.00, director Maryam Keshavarz will participate in a Q&A session.

Director

Maryam Keshavarz (b. 1975) is an Iranian-American filmmaker. Her first feature film, Circumstance (2011), premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. Her second feature film, Viper Club (2018), premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and starred Susan Sarandon. Her latest film, The Persian Version (2023), premiered at Sundance, where it also won the Audience Award.

This film is part of