Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) has acquired all media rights to Sundance Audience Award winner Shayda for North America, Latin America, Benelux, Eastern Europe, Portugal, the Middle East and Turkey.
Written and directed by Iranian-Australian filmmaker Noora Niasari as her feature debut, the film had its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance and is currently being offered for remaining territories by HanWay Films at Berlin’s European Film Market.
Shayda stars Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Osamah Sami and Leah Purcell in the story of an Iranian woman living in Australia who finds refuge in a women’s shelter with her 6-year-old daughter but is threatened when the husband she fled reenters her life.
The Origma 45 production was produced by Vincent Sheehan, Niasari, in association with Dirty Films and Parandeh Pictures. Executive produced by Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton, Coco Francini and Caitlin Green, Lindsay Lanzillotta and Lois Scott.
Niasari said: “I have had the deepest admiration for Sony Pictures Classics from childhood. It is an honor to have my debut feature distributed by them. I know they will set the stage for a wonderful release, so that audiences worldwide can experience the emotional depth and power of Shayda.”
A statement from SPC said: “With Shayda, Noora Niasari makes an impressive feature debut. Her characters are relatable and her relationships with them are built with honesty, humanity, and the warmth that comes from family and community. We are delighted to share this story and Noora’s story with audiences all over the world.”
