We previously posted the advanced screenings with Q&A for The New Boy at the beginning of July in Melbourne and Sydney ahead of its July 6 release in Australia. There is another screening on July 1 at Cinema Nova with introduction from Cate Blanchett and Warwick Thornton, however, tickets are already sold out for this one.

Noora Niasari’s Shayda will have its Australian premiere on August 3rd at Melbourne International Film Festival. Cate Blanchett, Andrew Upton, and Coco Francini co-executive produced the film. Zar Amir-Ebrahimi plays the title role. The film had its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews and it won the audience award at the World Cinema Dramatic section of the festival.

Tickets can be booked here.

Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir-Ebrahimi (Holy Spider, MIFF 2022) anchors this Sundance Audience Award–winning portrait of a mother seeking a new life for herself and her daughter.

Shayda, a brave Iranian mother, 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 jeopardised.

Supported by the MIFF Premiere Fund, the accomplished feature debut from MIFF Accelerator Lab alumna Noora Niasari was produced by Vincent Sheehan and Niasari, and executive-produced by Cate Blanchett. While forthright about the challenges of healing for those who have survived domestic violence, the film also shines a light on the indomitable hope that propels its spirited, beautifully complex characters. With affecting lead performances from Amir-Ebrahimi and newcomer Selina Zahednia – alongside Leah Purcell, Jillian Nguyen , Osamah Sami , Mojean Aria and Rina Mousavi – Shayda is a moving story of resilience, the desire for independence, and the sacrifices and strength of a mother’s love.