Untitled, Jackson Heights
New York
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Documentary, Short Films, 15-May-2024
An Iranian mother living in Queens sends a letter to her far-away daughter. Armon Mahdavi directs “Untitled, Jackson Heights,” an experimental personal documentary presenting the place and anecdotes of a transplant in America. Through static frames of the city, we overhear a mother’s recorded messages, or possibly readings of her letters, sent to her daughter. She reminisces on their time back in Iran together, her longing, and also speaks to her daily experiences. The melancholic feeling of distance grows and the realities and sacrifices faced by immigrant parents are indirectly learned. As it gently paints the Jackson Heights sights from street corner to mezzanine, the film appears to be in direct homage to Chantal Akerman’s “News from Home.” -JM. Director/writer/editor: Armon Mahdavi, Narration: Mitra Ayat, DP: Aaron Champagne, Producers: Eli Bernstein, Aaron Champagne, Nancy Kimball, Armon Mahdavi, Assistant Camera: Lee Emmerich.
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