We knew this story was strong and had perspective unlike any Australian film we had seen before.
Working with Niasari, says Amir-Ebrahimi, was an amazing experience.
I really appreciate the courage of Noora as a filmmaker and as a person who had this experience.
A still from Shayda by Noora Niasari, an official selection of the World Dramatic Competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.Courtesy of Sundance Institute
It was such a smooth shoot for such a sensitive story.
But Noora handled everything in an amazing way.
The current situation in Iran is horrifying and advancing each day into darker waters for women, says Blanchett.
‘Shayda’ stars Zar Amir-Ebrahimi & Mojean Aria with Cate Blanchett
Amir-Ebrahimi adds, This violence towards women happens everywhere.
But in Iran, the system doesnt lead you to have your basic rights as we know now.
For Blanchett, shes keen for audiences to take away a nuanced perspective on the issues thatShaydathrows up.
