The Persian Version (2023)

The Persian Version (2023). 1h 47m | R

“As an Iranian-American who grew up in the US, u0026quot;The Persian Versionu0026quot; is a mirror reflecting the nuances of my own life. Watching Leilau0026#39;s journey was like walking through my own memories. The filmu0026#39;s portrayal of growing up in the US with Iranian roots resonated deeply with me, bringing forth emotions and memories I hadnu0026#39;t fully understood until now.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eLeilau0026#39;s struggles, her efforts to balance her dual heritage, and her navigation through the complexities of family dynamics are not just cinematic elements; they are lived experiences for many, including myself. As the only queer daughter in my family, the filmu0026#39;s exploration of patriarchy and familial expectations struck a particularly personal chord. It validated my experiences in ways that are hard to articulate.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film is beautifully layered-funny yet poignant, light-hearted yet deeply touching. It captures the vibrancy and beauty of Iranian culture, and the essence of being caught between two worlds. The stories of Leilau0026#39;s mother and grandmother were especially moving. They shed light on the resilience of our ancestors, making me realize how little we often know about their struggles. This realization fostered a newfound empathy for my forebears and a sense of pride in my heritage.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026quot;The Persian Versionu0026quot; is a film that has helped me piece together parts of my past, understand my history better, and feel less alone in my journey. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Maryam Keshavarz for making a film that not only entertains but also heals and enlightens. Itu0026#39;s a rare gem!”