Award-winning actress Behnia Haj Saleh has won the best actress award at the Dubai Film Festival for her role as a Refugee from Iran. Behnia Haj Saleh is a remarkably human and brave woman, who chose to leave behind both her homeland and her family in order to seek freedom and safety for herself. The film she made, called “When You Were Rich”, is one that depicts the perils of war, while at the same time, it shows how the kindness of strangers can make a person stronger. In fact, the most moving moment of the film occurs when the older woman (sheets), her sister and brother attempt to cheer her up by telling her that everyone experiences failures at some point in their life. This scene encapsulates the essence of the human spirit and the ability to overcome obstacles.
It is truly amazing how a person like Behnia Haj Saleh can still be able to appreciate beauty in film and theater. For anyone that has ever seen her films, or even those that simply enjoy movies, it is easy to see why she would be considered an exemplary actor and actresses. Her talent has led her to the leading role in the critically acclaimed film, “A Raisin in the Sun” as well as several other award winning projects. This has also helped her achieve international stardom, making her eligible for the Best Actor category at the Oscars this year.
As an actress, there are many roles that are considered to fall under the category of being a refugee. In this film, however, Haj Saleh proves that age is not a barrier in her career, as she plays the role of a young girl who is married and involved with an abusive husband. While these scenes may seem exploitable by certain politically-motivated producers and filmmakers, the reality is that these events are actually happening to real people all over the world. Furthermore, Saleh’s seamless acting and convincing performance make this a film that any adult who is watching can relate to. The message that is portrayed is that no matter where one is in the world, or what race or religion they belong to, if they are able to be selfless and share their experiences as well as those of the characters they play, then they will have nothing to be afraid of.
As a director, Saleh has produced some very positive films, such as “Before I See You Again” and “Muhammed”. This film provides a strong message that while a woman should enjoy herself, there is a price to pay in order to achieve that. Her decision to marry and start a family while risking everything in order to do so is inspiring to watch. It shows that while a man may feel that he can take care of his family by himself, he must still put his priorities in order.
In terms of the film’s plot, the central conflict is between Saleh and a group of terrorists who want to kill her husband. This sets the pace for the rest of the film, as we slowly learn more about this dynamic couple. When Saleh finally faces off against her terrorists, she gains a new found respect for herself and learns that sometimes even when you’ve made the right decisions, you must live with the consequences. The supporting characters help to make the film feel urgent and necessary. In particular, the role of Saleh’s friend and lawyer are given strong, heartfelt performances that underline the director’s strongest points.
Overall, it is a light film that provides a realistic portrayal of a modern woman’s life. The subject matter is very complex and creative, but it is not too heavy on the facts. Despite the short runtime, the film never feels rushed. The acting is strong and the story is entertaining. Overall, it is recommended for anyone looking to see a new film that looks to the future. For those already familiar with the director, this is a great chance to see how her career has progressed.