Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The Persian Version” showing Nov. 24-30 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres.
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.
“Effervescent! Its infectious, fizzy energy is hard to resist!” — The Hollywood Reporter
“Joyous! A combination of exuberant energy, wise-cracking humor and warmhearted emotion!” — Screen Daily
“The Persian Version” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres Nov. 24-30. Showtimes will be Friday, Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 24, 25, 28 and 29 at 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 26 at 7:00 p.m.; and Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.