Film Independent Members, you and a guest are invited to watch The Friend’s House Is Here in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room, powered by Vision Media, followed by a pre-recorded conversation with filmmakers Hossein Keshavarz and Maryam Ataei.

In Tehran’s underground art scene, Pari, a theater director, and Hanna, a dancer, are roommates, best friends, actors and professional partners, navigating rehearsals, performances and the quiet rituals of everyday life – until their secret circle is discovered. Shot covertly but far removed from familiar portrayals of Iran, directors Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz blur the boundaries between theatrical performance and lived experience, crafting a luminous portrait of sisterhood, where art becomes inseparable from life and even the smallest creative choices can become acts of resistance.

From Greenwich Entertainment, The Friend’s House Is Here premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival where it won the US Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast. The film will open in theaters in New York on December 4 and nationwide on December 12.

Co-writer/co-director/co-producer Hossein Keshavarz and executive producer Maryam Keshavarz are both Film Independent Fellows. Hossein Keshavarz is a 2013 Grant Recipient, and Maryam Keshavarz participated in the 2006 Producing Lab and 2014 Fast Track finance market.

 
2026, 89 minutes, color, In Persian with English subtitles | Written and Directed by Hossein Keshavarz, Maryam Ataei | Main Cast Mahshad Bahram, Hana Mana, Farzad Karen, Zohreh Pirnia | Produced by Hossein Keshavarz, Maryam Ataei | Executive Produced by Maryam Keshavarz
 

Registration Information

Even when they reach capacity, Film Lover and Secret Members are guaranteed access to all online screenings. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access to all online and in-person screenings. Email [email protected] for more.

All Film Independent Members can register for this online screening starting at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 28. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

How to Watch

On the first day of screening availability, registered Members (and guests, when applicable) will be emailed a secure link by our partner Vision Media to watch this title in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] or 323 556 9305.
 

Online Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible to ensure access. Links are watermarked, nontransferable and may only be used by the Member who completed the registration. Limit one link per Membership, per event.

Members are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.