I Am Nasrine

Amongst the many topics evident in contemporary Iranian cinema, the plight of women is common. From the pioneering work of prolific filmmaker Rakhshan Bani-Etemad (The Blue-Veiled), to the Cannes Film Festival recognition of Samira Makhmalbaf (Blackboards) and Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis), female voices and stories have increased in prominence. Accordingly, tales of their trials and triumphs are now seen around the world, with features transcending traditional borders. I Am Nasrine is the latest to explore the experiences of the fairer sex, in the debut offering from Iranian-American writer/director Tina Gharavi.

In 2001, Nasrine (Micsha Sadeghi, in her first film role) is an ordinary Tehran-based teen, thrust into a far from ordinary situation. Pulled over by the police for riding on a motorcycle with a male friend, she is tortured and brutalised during questioning, causing her father to send her and her brother Ali (Shiraz Haq, Blue Line) to live in the United Kingdom. Entering a world unlike the one she knows, Nasrine thrives as she encounters new friends and freedoms. Although Ali disapproves of her weakening ties to her homeland, he too is transformed by the liberties of their new locale.

Chronicling a journey of self-discovery for the titular protagonist and her conflicted sibling, the thoughtful film ponders the juxtaposition of Middle Eastern and Western societies around its temporal setting. In the former, her presence outside of the home is scrutinised under a veil of suspicion, whilst in the latter her options and opportunities are almost endless. The struggles of her brother provide a stark contrast, with his lifestyle choices causing the opposite effect. Together, their parallel yet adverse stories unite to unravel the impact of personal and international politics.

In capturing the clash of cultures central to the coming-of-age narrative, the film relies heavily on the stunning visual sensibilities of cinematographer David Raedeker (Brick Lane). Assembling much of the imagery in striking montages accompanied by the fitting soundtrack of atmospheric tunes and indie hits, it allows beautiful interludes to punctuate the dialogue, with pictures truly saying more than words can.

Combined with excellent performances from the relative newcomers, and tender rendering of the equally tragic and hopeful content by Gharavi, I Am Nasrine is a passionate and poignant piece of cinema with social realist tendencies. An admirable addition to the examination of Iranian women on screen, it explores the intersection of oppression and identity with naturalism and nuance.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I Am Nasrine
Director: Tina Gharavi
UK, 2012, 88 min

Screening at the Persian Film Festival
Dendy Cinemas Opera Quays‎, 2 Circular Quay East, Sydney
Thursday 23 February 2012
Bookings: persianfilmfestival.com