Uncomfortable yet compelling viewing
By Sonia Isaacs
THE Maleny Film Society will be hosting a screening of the movie Shayda as special fundraiser for Speak Up Now, the Hinterland domestic violence awareness and education organisation on Saturday, February 10.
The official Australian entry for the Academy Awards, Shayda has been described by critics as a deeply moving and powerful drama by Iranian-Australian film maker Noora Niasari, based on the memoirs of her immigrant mother.
Actor Zar Amir Ebrahimi excels in her portrayal of Shayda, an Irani woman living in Australia with her husband. Controlling and abusive, he intends to take her and their young daughter back to Iran after completing his degree in medicine.
Fearing a return to an oppressive, male-dominated society, Shayda files for divorce, and with her daughter, seeks refuge in a women’s shelter. But her husband is granted access and Shayda fears he will abduct their daughter. Sometimes uncomfortable but always compelling viewing, this film builds tension to a crescendo as it highlights the difficult journey experienced by women fleeing domestic violence.
The Maleny Film Society is screening this film as a fundraiser in support of Speak Up Now: Stop Domestic Violence, Maleny and Blackall Range. The Speak Up Now group is a collaboration of locally based organisations including The Rotary Club of Maleny, Zonta Club of Blackall Range, The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, and community members, whose aim is to increase awareness of domestic violence and educate the community on what they can do to help stop domestic and family violence. Speak Up Now spokesperson, Val France, said she was extremely grateful for the support of the Maleny Film Society for screening the movie Shayda as a fundraiser.
“Funds raised will be put to good use in developing further community initiatives to help end Domestic and Family Violence, such as the upcoming Bystander Action workshop we are running in early March. Domestic violence remains undeniably a major challenge for our community,” she said.
The Maleny Film Society is pleased to donate all proceeds from the screening of Shayda. Screening 3pm and 7pm Saturday, February 10 at the Maleny Community Centre. $8 members, $13 non-members.
sonia@gcnews.com
