The Star’s critic MARIA DUARTE recommends a quietly powerful drama that examines an Iranian mother and daughter who escape domestic abuse

THIS quietly powerful drama set in Australia in 1995 explores a clash of cultures as it shows the resilience, strength and bravery of Iranian women as they battle domestic abuse and fight for their basic human rights.

Terribly moving even if unsettling to watch, it is a formidable debut feature by writer-director Noora Niasari and based on her real-life experience. At the age of five she fled family violence to live in an Australian women’s shelter with her Iranian mother.

The film focuses on Shayda (Zar Amir Ebrahimi from Holy Spider), a young Iranian woman, who escapes her abusive husband Hossein (Osamah Sami) with her six-year-old daughter Mona (impressive newcomer Selina Zahednia). They find refuge in a women’s shelter down under where she tries to lead as normal a life as possible for her child. Her world is upended when her ex is suddenly awarded visitation rights while they await the custody hearing. He begins to threaten and intimidate an already traumatised Shayda, following her every move.

Ebrahimi captures Shayda’s vulnerability, her constant fear and her determination to protect her daughter at all costs in a breathtaking performance, while the adorable Zahednia steals the film.

Shot in Melbourne the film veers from magical moments between mother and daughter as Shayda teaches Mona Farsi how to Persian dance, to read poetry and to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, to heart stopping moments when Shayda has to hand Mona to her father, not knowing if he will abscond with her. The threat of violence simmers under the surface as the tension escalates until the explosive conclusion.

Also, it is bone-chilling to hear Shayda describing to her case worker the abuse she endured, including being raped by her husband. He tells her he planned to get her pregnant in order to force her to return to Iran.

The fierce criticisms Shayda faces from her mum and other members of the Iranian community for leaving her violent husband, changing her appearance, not wearing the hijab and seeking a life without fear is staggering. It is in contrast to the support and solidarity she encounters at the women’s shelter.

Thought-provoking and haunting Shayda is a homage to Niasari’s mother and all Iranian women fighting for their rights.

In cinemas July 19

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