Foreign Homeland is a deeply personal film I wrote, directed, and produced to explore the emotional complexities of growing up between two cultures. As an Iranian-Canadian, I’ve constantly navigated the space between my heritage and the Western world I was raised in. The story dives into that duality—capturing the tension, love, misunderstandings, and generational expectations that shape the immigrant experience. At its heart, Foreign Homeland is a family drama infused with humor and chaos, reflecting the cultural clashes and emotional truths many of us carry but rarely see on screen.
The project was funded by Calgary Arts Development, whose support allowed us to elevate the production quality and collaborate with talented local professionals. Since its creation, Foreign Homeland has been recognized on the international festival circuit—winning Best Debut Feature Film at the Makizhmithran International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and , earning an Honourable Mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival, and becoming a finalist at the East Village New York Film Festival. It has also been officially selected by the Global INDIE Filmmaker Awards, the International Celebration of Cinema. The film’s impact continues to grow, resonating with audiences around the world who see themselves reflected in its story.
Since its creation, Foreign Homeland has been recognized on the international festival circuit—winning Best Debut Feature Film at the Makizhmithran International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and , earning an Honourable Mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival, and becoming a finalist at the East Village New York Film Festival. It has also been officially selected by the Global INDIE Filmmaker Awards, and the International Celebration of Cinema. The film’s impact continues to grow, resonating with audiences around the world who see themselves reflected in its story.
Foreign Homeland celebrated its Official Red Carpet Premiere at the prestigious Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University, welcoming more than 300 attendees in what became the largest and first-ever Iranian Red Carpet event in Alberta’s history. The evening was widely described as an “outstanding night” of celebration and connection, bringing together artists, community leaders, and families for a landmark cultural moment. The overwhelming turnout and emotional audience response demonstrated a clear appetite for authentic Persian stories within the Canadian market. Reviews following the premiere further underscored the film’s impact, with audiences sharing five-star reactions such as, “Finally, I Felt Seen,” reflecting the deep resonance of seeing immigrant family experiences authentically portrayed on screen. IMDb and verified viewers praised the film as “heartwarming, tense, and emotional,” commending its poetic cinematography and its powerful depiction of the immigrant journey—solidifying the premiere not just as a screening, but as a defining cultural event for the community.
