Beautiful and troubled 20-something Donya, an Afghan translator who used to work with the U.S government, has trouble sleeping. She lives by herself in Fremont in a building with other Afghan immigrants and often dines alone at a local restaurant watching soap operas. Her routine changes when she’s promoted to writing the fortunes at her job at a fortune cookie factory in the city. As her fortunes are read by strangers throughout the Bay, Donya’s smouldering longing drives her to send a message out to the world, unsure where it will lead.
Brought to life by the empathetic efforts of a talented cast and further distinguished by striking black-and-white cinematography, Fremont takes a thoughtful -- and wryly funny -- look at the immigrant experience.
The John Cassavetes Award – Independent Spirit Awards
Best Director – Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Special Jury Prize – Deauville Film Festival
Grand Jury Prize – The Independent Film Festival of Boston
One in a Million Award – Sun Valley Film Festival
Best International Independent Film Nominee – British Independent Film Awards
"Babak Jalali's assured black-and-white indie drama strikes a beautiful tone with a deadpan sense of humor, aided by Anaita Wali Zada's quietly poignant performance."
- VARIETY
"It’s the kind of independent film which we haven’t seen a lot of lately, endowed with intimacy and a kind of dreamy charm."
- THE GUARDIAN
"Deceptively placid, supremely wry … and so damned moving."
- ROLLING STONE
"Jalali creates a unique dramedy that will be remembered for its solid direction, powerful performances, and eye-popping cinematography."
- COLLIDER
Thursday 2nd May
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91 min
PG
Jeremy Allen White, Gregg Turkington, Anaita Wali Zada, Hilda Schmelling, Siddique Ahmed, Taban Ibraz, Avis See-tho, Timur Nusratty, Eddie Tang
Babak Jalali
Drama
Pentridge Cinema, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Balwyn, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, The Kino, Palace Westgarth, Palace Norton Street, Palace Central, Palace Moore Park, The Chauvel Cinema, Palace Byron Bay, Palace James St, Palace Barracks, Palace Electric Cinema, Palace Raine Square
