The documentary “Narmin’s Birthday” tells the story of 15-year-old Narmin and her 84-year-old grandmother Ismat, who share a bedroom in their family’s tiny Sheepshead Bay apartment. Though their nights are spent no more than four feet away from each other on parallel beds, the cultural identities they’ve each chosen are worlds apart. Our take: Narmin is a New Yorker and teenage girl growing up in the age of social media. We see her giggling with friends, annoyed at her parents, and scrutinizing her appearance. She also shares a bedroom with her Azerbaijani grandmother and the film is a coming-of-age story for both. While the cultural divide between the two family members couldn't be more vast, what emerges in this very intimate look at family, is real searching from Ismat to understand her granddaughter because she's concerned that the modern way of life will distance Narmin from her heritage. There are truly touching moments that show how family members can annoy each other as well as learn from (and love) each other. -Caryn Coleman. Directors: Lydia Cornett and Jenny Groza. Featuring: Ismat Kashiyeva, Narmin Vahabzada, Mina Vahabova. Editor: Ansh Vohra. Sound Mix: Mike Towndrow. Producer: UnionDocs. Supported by the 2018 UnionDocs Collaborative Studio and the 2018 NYC Women's Fund for Theatre, Film & Television.
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