Award-winning short film Mashhad to debut on ChaiFlicks this april

The award-winning short film Mashhad, written and directed by filmmaker Sarah Solemani (Bridget Jones’s Diary), is scheduled to premiere on the Jewish streaming platform ChaiFlicks on April 6, 2026. Prior to its exclusive digital debut, the film has been made available for a limited free preview on YouTube through Reboot Studios. The project, produced by Reboot Studios, is inspired by Solemani’s own family history within the Mashhadi Jewish community.

Set in the 1930s in the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, the narrative follows Miriam, a young Jewish girl living in a ghetto, who questions why her family must conceal their religious identity. The plot intensifies when a day of play with a neighbor jeopardizes the safety of her household, revealing a story of faith as a means of survival. Solemani stated that the film aims to "generate conversations about the possibility of a more democratic and pluralistic future for Iran" and emphasizes the importance of women’s leadership in rebuilding civic institutions.

The production has received significant critical recognition, winning two FFTG awards, including the People’s Choice and The Grand Jury Choice Award. Furthermore, Mashhad was named Best Short Film at both The Crown Wood International Film Festival and the Indian Independent Film Festival. The film offers a rare cinematic perspective on the intersection of Iranian and Jewish identities and the historical complexities of the diaspora.

Following its current promotional window on YouTube, the film will transition to its permanent home on the ChaiFlicks platform. This release adds to the streamer's catalog of specialized content focusing on Jewish culture and international history.

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