Maryam
Release Date:
February 22, 2002
Limited release
This film had its world premiere at the 2000 Los Angeles Independent Film Festival where it received a standing ovation from two sold-out audiences. It won the Emerging Filmmaker Award at the 2000 St. Louis International Film Festival. It is also very timely because of the Muslim backlash that is being felt after the attacks on the World Trade Center.
The film is a semi-autobiographical story about an Americanized high school student who was born in Iran. She is having the same worries as any other student -- getting good grades, dating, and friendships. Her parents are supportive of her activities, but her newly arrived cousin from Iran disapproves. Her life gets turned upside-down when there are hostages taken at the American embassy in Teheran, Iran. Her family has become targeted for racist attacks because of the crisis.
I think you will see comparisons to how some Muslims are being treated in today's environment. The director made this film hoping to get rid of the stereotypes of Iranians and stimulate constructive dialogue. Keep an eye out for it at you local independent film venue or festival. Hopefully it will give you a fresh perspective on today's troubles. (Marty Doskins/BOP)
|
|
|
|
Tweet
