Kayan

The Iranian-born Maryam Najafi, now living in Canada, was obliged to live in many different countries. She takes her inspiration from the places where she has been and the people whom she has met. With a cast of non-professional actors, the lively Kayan shows how a Lebanese restaurant is a safe haven for immigrants from all over the world.
Its owner, Hanin, is at the centre. Every day, she bravely dons her high heels to face up to all worries, with hardly any time left for her two teenage daughters, who sometimes fall asleep among the guests. Hanin yearns for a shoulder to lean on, but her boyfriend only reports in on her cell phone. While a flamenco orchestra provides a new musical atmosphere, Hanin wonders whether she should answer the advances of a recent arrival from Iran.
This first full-length feature of Najafi's shared a New Currents Award at Busan.