Writer-director Zeina Durra creates quite a character in Asya, (played fantastically by Élodie Bouchez). Asya is a Middle Eastern conceptual artist living in post 9/11 New York. When her ex, and first love, goes missing, she thinks the CIA may have put him on a rendition plane. Perhaps Asya is under surveillance. Don't worry, this is not a political thriller, even though serious subjects play in the background. The mood has a delightful lightness, and is very funny. We get to visit underground nightclubs, experimental theaters, and avant-garde art galleries as Asya and her boyfriend try to unravel the mystery. Whit Stillman of Metropolitan fame makes the most of a wordless cameo.

I saw this film at the opening night of the Williamsburg Film Festival on Kent Ave at South 2nd street. It is a great portrayal of a life in NYC. I have lived in NYC for 17 yrs and could relate to the characters and scenes, even though I am 1/2 Swedish and 1/2 Jewish. The movie is unbelievably funny... I laughed and laughed. It is not a serious film, but it is not meant to be serious... it is a window into the world of this artist that touches on political issues... as I think for many of us living in the States experience global issues... horrors go on across the world and we still go to parties and benefits. The dichotomy between silly and serious, paranoid and real, superficial and important are acutely captured in a way that is representative of young culture today... At the same time, it is a charming love story. The directing is fantastic - I was really amazed at the complexity of the shots... the Chinatown scenes, the cars, the parties... so many people and elements in so many of the scenes for such a young director. Enjoyable on so many levels - to be seen!!