World Premiere
Hemela left Iran as a young adult to build a new life in Montreal. Now an older woman, her story unfolds not through sweeping politics but the small moments that define a life — family gatherings, the aroma of shared meals, and laughter with friends. Beloved for her cuisine, humour, and radiant presence, Hemela embodies the strength of migration and the ability to adapt while carrying forward traditions that connect past and present.
Pirouz Nemati’s documentary invites viewers into this intimate world, celebrating the extraordinary within the everyday. With sensitivity, grace and an appearance by Denis Villeneuve, the film reminds us that stories of resilience are often found in kitchens, living rooms, and community tables — places where joy, wisdom, and memory come together. Hemela is both personal and universal, offering a heartfelt tribute to a life lived fully.
Hemela will be preceded by the short film, Solitudes by Ryan McKenna.
About the short film: Upon befriending Jocelyn at their French language class, Behrouz catsits for her while she goes on a trip to find her ancestor’s unmarked grave.
Oct 5: Q&A
Presented by
Media Partner
Community Partner
Hemela Pourafzal
Canada/Iran
2025
In French and Persian with English subtitles
Book Tickets
Credits & Director
Producer
Pirouz Nemati
Screenwriter
Pirouz Nemati
Cinematography
Ariane Lorrain
Editor
Pirouz Nemati
Pirouz Nemati
Born in Iran in 1987, Pirouz Nemati is an independent filmmaker, artist, and actor currently based in Montreal. He studied photography, film, and media arts at Emily Carr University and holds a BFA in film production from Concordia University. Nemati’s films, video, and photography work have been showcased in Iran, Canada, and the US. Most recently, he served as an executive producer, co-screenwriter, and actor in Matthew Rankin’s award winning film Universal Language (2024).
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
Princess Mononoke
A mystical fight between humans and the Animal Gods of the forest. Ashitaka, the last prince of a dying race, struggles to find a way for both sides to co-exist. But the fighting only becomes more and more bloody and all hope seems to be lost…
Cookie Queens
A documentary about the annual Girl Scouts' cookie sale is probably not high on your list of must-sees, but don't be too sure — this movie is a delight, a rare celebration of girlhood, supportive family relations, and the art of salesmanship.
Jackie Brown
Take half a dozen characters who know they're in a fix, and give them half a million dollars to fight over. Tarantino's crime movie (his best) transcends genre in large part because in Pam Grier and Robert Forster it gives us people we truly care about.
A Simple Machine
Cutting costs, swapping four wheels for two, Nick is downsizing to pay off his student debt. It's a path which leads to savings he had not anticipated, even if his girlfriend thinks he's losing it (and she may be right). A lean, low budget gem.