Hava, Maryam, Ayesha (Persian: حوا، مریم، عایشه) is a 2019 Afghan drama film directed by Sahraa Karimi. It was the first independent film shot in Afghanistan with an all-Afghan cast and crew.
The film had its world premiere at the Horizons section of the 76th Venice International Film Festival, and its first screening in Asia at the Busan International Film Festival.
Plot Three women in Kabul face their lives' challenging moments during their respective pregnancy.
Sahraa Karimi says of the characters: "They face difficulties with pregnancy, and also, they question their motherhood. What does it mean to be a pregnant woman in Afghan, patriarchal society? I like all films where women are very strong."
Cast Arezoo Ariapoor as Hava Fereshta Afshar as Maryam Hasiba Ebrahimi as Ayesha
Reception Critical response The Hollywood Reporter spoke of an "accomplished narrative debut from Karimi" with "solid" lead actresses and noted that the three stories of the film were "performed with grace and humanity".
Screen Daily described the film as an "engaging, accessible feature" and "a poignant triptych confronting the plight of women with no control over their bodies or their destinies". The review gave special nods to the "thoughtful production design" and the cinematography capturing "a sense of Kabul’s bustling streets and sprawling cityscapes".
Awards and nominations The film was selected as the Afghan entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not included on the Academy's final list of films for consideration because of alleged questions over the legitimacy of the Afghan committee that submitted the film.
Award Date Category Recipient Result Venice Film Festival 2019 Venice Horizons Award Hava, Maryam, Ayesha Asian World Film Festival 2019 Best Actress Arezoo Ariapoor, Fereshta Afshar, Hasiba Ebrahimi Dhaka International Film Festival 2020 Best Actress Arezoo Ariapoor, Fereshta Afshar, Hasiba Ebrahimi Tasveer South Asian Film Festival 2021 Jury Prize: Best Director Sahraa Karimi
See also List of submissions to the 92nd Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film List of Afghan submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film
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