Donya, a young Afghan who moved to Fremont, California after serving as a translator for the American army, spends her days working at a fortune cookie factory and her nights wide awake battling between her desire to rebuild her life and the overbearing guilt she carries within. In a bid to connect with the world, she sends an unconventional message through a fortune cookie. Tinged with Jarmuschian deadpan humour, this sensitive immigrant tale packs a breakout performance by real-life refugee Anaita Wali Zada, joined by a perpetually off-kilter Gregg Turkington and Jeremy Allen White from The Bear as a heartthrob mechanic.

The Garden Cinema View:

Fremont is a deadpan meditation on the impacts of migration trauma, with evident influences by Jim Jarmusch and Wes Anderson. Featuring compelling characters and thoroughly believable relationships, the director charts the progression of these bonds over time. Despite dealing with weighty themes, this indie gem maintains a tongue-in-cheek charm throughout, anchored by very strong performances.

Cast:
Anaita Wali Zada, Gregg Turkington, Jeremy Allen White