Translated from Farsi as “New Day”, Nowruz is attached to a long line of cultural traditions and symbolic preparations, as illustrated by Naghmeh Pour in her poignant new film.Told through a series of vignettes, Pour gives us warm glimpses into the familial purification rituals of Nowruz with imagery of fire and water: we watch the family “shake the house”, cleaning the house from top to bottom, the ritual of jumping over fire, and, of course, the Haft-Sin table.

Director Nagmeh Pour says: 'The inspiration for this film stemmed from our personal and deep connection to Nowruz and its significance in Persian culture and still in our families even though most of us have lived abroad for decades or was born and raised outside Iran. Growing up, I remember the excitement and anticipation leading up to Nowruz, the preparations, and the gatherings that just went on for days with friends, family, neighbors. It was the time you buried the hatches and started fresh. It’s all about living and spreading positive energy into the world. Iranians are such festive people so we wanted to add that narrative in the mix too. Have you ever been to an Iranian party? Then you know what I mean!'

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