Aliya is struggling with a decision- should I stay or should I go? After winning the chance to leave her oppressive home in Kazakhstan to live in America, she keeps the news mostly to herself. While she carries the decision around, she lives her life as usual; helping her aging mother, looking after her niece, seeing friends and her lover, and taking in her Muslim sister when she needs a night away from her abusive husband. Long takes throughout the film let us get to know Aliya, and her country. We feel along with her what could keep her at home, and what could push her away. She fears leaving her niece in a country and family that will limit her choices. But, here, she has to hide her queer relationship, put up with aggressive misogyny daily, and hates the cold winters.

The film gives the viewers time and space to feel close to Aliya but also see the wider picture of the country around her that she volunteered to leave. A formidable feature debut from writer, director, producer Assel Aushakimova, Welcome to the USA will leave you thinking about your own decisions.

- Tish Chambers

Screening

ThursDAY, MARCH 18 - FriDAY, MARCH 19