Shayda Review - Melbourne International Film Festival
CW: abuse.
‘Shayda’ marks Noora Niasari's impressive debut film, drawing on her own eight-month experience in a women's shelter with her mother, who serves as the film's inspiration and pillar. It comes as no surprise that Shayda has earned a spot in the prestigious 2023 Sundance Film Festival program and takes the esteemed role of opening film at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
Shayda (Zar Amir Ebrahimi), an Iranian woman, seeks refuge for herself and her 6-year-old daughter Mona (Selina Zahednia) in a women's shelter in Brisbane. After fleeing an impossible situation, Shayda finds herself isolated from her Persian community, receiving a less than warm welcome after word spreads that she is attempting to divorce her abusive husband. Set during the upcoming Nowruz (Persian New Year) she attempts to create some normalcy for Mona and take back her sense of self and her rightful place in her community.
Adding to her struggles, a judge grants unsupervised visitation between Hossein and Mona, leaving Shayda torn between complying and the fear of losing her child to the custody of a violent man.
Zar Amir Ebrahimi brilliantly portrays the titular character, Shayda, with elegance and determination, captivating the audience with her outstanding performance. Meanwhile, 6-year-old Selina Zahednia's portrayal of Mona is a level of talent most actors can only dream of achieving, making her a perfect fit for the role. Selina was one of the last to audition but as soon as she did, they knew they had found their Mona.
Eve Morey, not only played Lara, another woman seeking shelter but also served as an intimacy coordinator on set. In situations such as these the importance of protecting child actors from the reality of the stories they are telling cannot be undersold. Morey worked to ensure that Selina felt safe and in control while acting out scenarios that are anything but.
Combined with talented writing, Osamah Sami's exceptional portrayal of the villain highlights the unsettling aspects of manipulation, calculation, and coercion found in perpetrators of abuse. While some may argue the story has elements of predictability, it reflects the harsh reality faced by survivors of such situations, where patterns of abusive behaviour are sadly all too common. These patterns continue to escalate when the women they are trying to control strive for independence and validity.
During a Q&A session at MIFF, real-life Shayda showcased the depth, humour, and heart that Noora no doubt inherited, revealing the incredible honesty and vulnerability in the film's writing, consisting of 50,000 words.
Beyond the main story arc, the film beautifully portrays the fusion of cultures and the profound love and companionship nurtured within the women's shelter. This refuge is adorned with the melodies of Persian music, accompanied by the sweet serenade of a cockatoo perched on the windowsill. The women share authentic, heartwarming meals, learn dances, and empower one another through mutual support and understanding. While the Australian backdrop brings an inevitable touch of racism, the film also shines a light on the genuine kindness and humility that coexists, creating a truly multifaceted and authentic narrative.
Shayda's story exemplifies unparalleled resilience, echoing the experiences of far too many women.
