How ‘Shayda’ Became a ‘Huge Healing Journey’ for the Director and Her Mother

Noora Niasari was only five when she and her mother moved into a women’s shelter in Australia, fleeing domestic violence. That experience is the heart of “Shayda,” Niasari’s debut feature starring Zar Amir Ebrahimi, who won best actress in Cannes last year for “Holy Spider.” She plays the titular character, an Iranian immigrant in Australia trying to divorce her abusive husband (Osamah Sami) and build a life with her daughter (Selina Zahednia). The film premiered in January at the Sundance film festival, where it won the Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic.

Niasari spoke to us about “Shayda,” which is Australia’s Oscar submission for international feature.