MO’ALLEM (THE TEACHER)
Coming-of-age Feature w/ Musical Elements
Watch the Proof of Concept
MO'ALLEM is a coming-of-age drama with romantic elements that follows Maryam Heydari, a brilliant young woman from a small Iranian village who dreams of becoming a teacher. When faced with an arranged marriage that threatens to stifle her ambitions, Maryam makes the daring decision to flee to America on her wedding day, leaving behind her family and a budding romance with Darius. In Los Angeles, she pursues her teaching career while grappling with cultural barriers, discrimination, and the challenge of adapting to a new world.
As Maryam begins to find her footing in America, the 9/11 attacks shake her world, intensifying the prejudice against her and putting her newfound career at risk. Caught between two cultures and facing mounting pressure to denounce her heritage, Maryam must find a way to reconcile her Iranian roots with her American dreams.
The unexpected arrival of her estranged parents forces her to confront the consequences of her choices. With her future hanging in the balance, Maryam turns to her rediscovered passion for music, which becomes her bridge between cultures. MO'ALLEM is a poignant exploration of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the power of music to transcend barriers, building towards a climactic moment that could change everything for Maryam.
"MO'ALLEM is a screenplay that emotionally triggers and awakens an audience to see the worldwide issues surrounding women’s independence and racism targeted towards Middle Easterns during such a pivotal and traumatic time for both Muslims and Americans during 9/11."
-8/10 on The Black List
This screenplay is a brilliantly conceived, brilliantly executed portrait of identity and family and the American dream. Maryam is a wonderfully well-realized main character. She is talented and defiant and courageous while also human and vulnerable and conflicted. Incredible character craftsmanship. A superlatively astute illustration of psychological complexity.
-Austin Film Festival Finalist