Set in modern day Tehran, and the UK, I Am Nasrine follows the paths of teenage sister and brother Nasrine (Micsha Sadeghi) and Ali (Shiraz Haq) from a comfortable, middle class Iranian home to a new life in Newcastle. When Nasrine has a run-in with the Iranian police, the punishment is more than she bargained for. At her father's bidding, Nasrine and Ali set out for the UK, embarking on a reluctant exile.

Once in Newcastle, their lives are far from comfortable. The hostility faced by asylum-seekers is now widely recognised, but Gharavi's direction and Sadeghi's performance give this film a trenchant poignancy that is distinctly unsettling. Hardly surprising, then, that this tense, sharply observed and powerful film was nominated for an outstanding debut BAFTA in 2013.

I Am Nasrine - Iranian-born documentarian Gharavi's debut feature - was partly made by a crew masquerading as the second unit of a bigger, officially approved Iranian TV shoot. In this Q&A event Gharavi discusses her own complex heritage, the logistics of filming in Iran and working with Newcastle's gypsy community.

Tina Gharavi has been hailed as one of the most inspirational and thought-provoking filmmakers of her generation. Since leaving Iran in 1979 she has been a true nomad. Carrying no less than 4 passports she currently resides in England. Her work has been broadcast internationally and screened at many festivals including Sundance. She is noted for innovative cross-platform work on migration as well as issues related to equality and diversity. Sundance programmer Shari Frilot said of Gharavi's film 'Closer' that 'it takes documentary to the next level.'

In this event Gharavi speaks to Asif Khan, Community Engagement Manager for Bristol Libraries. He also organises Yardstick, a festival celebrating established and emerging authors from across the English-speaking, African Diaspora.

This event was presented by Refugee Week, Watershed and Bristol Libraries in partnership with Afrika Eye.

Related Links:
I Am Nasrine
Tina Gharavi
Bristol Libraries on facebook

Posted on Tue 18 June 2013.

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