“In her first narrative feature, Niasari, who based the story in part on her own experiences, demonstrates an astounding control of pacing and mood.”
—New York Times

“Noora Niasari’s drama slowly builds into a thriller, and Ebrahimi’s enthralling performance coaxes us to lean in.”
—VOX

SHAYDA, a brave Iranian mother (Zar Amir-Ebrahimi), finds refuge in an Australian women’s shelter with her six-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.

Drawn from personal experiences, Iranian-Australian filmmaker Noora Niasari’s powerful SHAYDA is a beautifully crafted, poetic vérité portrayal of courage, compassion, and the healing properties of community.