Beautiful and troubled 20-something Donya, an Afghan translator who used to work with the U.S. government, has trouble sleeping. She lives by herself in Fremont, California, in a building with other Afghan immigrants and often dines alone at a local restaurant watching soap operas. Her routine changes when she’s promoted to writing the fortunes at her job at a fortune cookie factory in the city. As her fortunes are read by strangers throughout the Bay, Donya’s smoldering longing drives her to send a message out to the world, unsure where it will lead.

Shot in black and white, and with warmth and a wry sense of humor, director Babak Jalali has crafted a loving portrait of a young woman haunted by the past but still filled with desire for companionship and connection. Featuring a cast of unforgettable, unique characters, and anchored by a beguiling debut performance from real-life Afghan refugee Anaita Wali Zada, Fremont is an ode to the curious beauty of trying to build a new life in a strange land.

«Leise und zauberhaft – mit Zügen von Jarmuschs skurrilem Humor.» IndieWire

«Babak Jalalis souveräner Schwarz-Weiss-Indie-Film schlägt einen wunderschönen Ton mit einem Sinn für trockenen Humor an, unterstützt durch Anaita Wali Zadas ergreifend ruhiges Spiel.» Variety

«Une invitation à tomber follement amoureux.» Screen Daily

«La performance de Zada est d’une intelligence discrète, bouillonnant juste sous la surface.» Movieweb

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