HAMDARDI

"Hamdardi," a potent drama by Ashley Tabatabai and Stefan Fairlamb, doesn't shy away from the raw wound inflicted by the 2017 travel ban. Stepping beyond sterile policy discussions, the film delves into the emotional toll on both sides of the sterile processing center. 

Ethan (Tabatabai), a U.S. Customs officer, embodies this struggle. Initially numbed by personal loss, his conscience is awakened by the plight of a young Iranian brother and sister, Reza and Parveneh. The heartbreaking vulnerability of Reza and Parveneh lays bare the inhumanity of the ban. Their potential separation from their American parents throws the policy's cruelty into stark relief. 

The strength of "Hamdardi" lies in its nuanced portrayal. Helene Maksoud breathes life into Carol, a colleague who injects a much-needed dose of compassion into the sterile environment. The bilingual script, a clever mix of Farsi and English, adds an air of authenticity and underscores the emotional disconnect between the characters. 

Tabatabai's direction is masterful. The camera lingers on faces, capturing the silent pleas and simmering anger behind them. Adam Lyons' cinematography creates a sense of claustrophobia, mirroring the characters' trapped emotions. Howard Carter's musical score underscores the tension with its subtle crescendos, perfectly complementing the escalating conflict. 

"Hamdardi" transcends a mere political commentary. It's a human story, forcing viewers to confront the human cost of political decisions. The performances, particularly Tabatabai's portrayal of a man battling internal demons, are nothing short of stellar. This film is not entertainment. It's a call to empathy, a demand for reflection on the realities we face. It lingers long after the credits roll, leaving you questioning the systems we navigate and the humanity we sometimes forget in the process.