Bolbol tells the story of three generations of Iranian women under one roof in London. Maryam dedicates her life to care for her elderly mother Maman Joon who has dementia while simultaneously raising her teenage daughter Sadira who struggles with her Iranian-British identity.
Maman Joon spends her days quietly watching Iranian television while her mind wanders through memories of a distant past. Maryam maintains her commitment to tradition by preparing Iranian meals making efforts to preserve their cultural heritage. Sadira grows increasingly distant towards her mother as she grows frustrated by her expectations and is drawn more towards Western ideals.
Their tensions reach a breaking point when Sadira confesses she wants a nose job to look “more British”—a painful revelation that lays bare the rift between Maryam’s sacrifices and Sadira’s desire for freedom.
The death of Mahsa Amini in Iran triggers a deep emotional response from Maryam. Though far from her homeland, she expresses her solidarity with those protesting through a quiet yet powerful act: cutting her hair, a way of standing with the people of Iran, even from afar.
The story concludes with a brief wordless bond between the three women who share a moment of silent unity despite the things that separate them.
Directed by Lucianna Kyriacou (UK)