Maya & Samar
| Maya & Samar | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Anita Doron |
| Written by | Tamara Faith Berger |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Christina Moumouri |
| Edited by | Mikaela Bodin |
| Music by | Katie Stelmanis |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | VVS Films |
Release dates |
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Running time | 95 minutes[1] |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
Maya & Samar is a 2025 romantic drama film directed by Anita Doron, with the script being written by Tamara Faith Berger. A Canadian-Greek co-production, the film, set in Athens, follows Maya and Samar, who, after meeting together, things spiral out of control affair that exposes their cultures.
The film premiered at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival on November 4, 2025, and is scheduled to be released in North America on March 20, 2026.
Synopsis
After Maya, a journalist at an indie website, and Samar, a queer Afghan who arrived in Greece after escaping from the Taliban, meet together, their life spirals out of control which exposes their cultures.[2]
Cast
- Nicolette Pearse
- Amanda Babaei Vieira
- Breanna Coates
- Antonis Giannakos
- Aris Athanasopoulos as Alex
Production
Anita Doron directed the romantic drama film, with Tamara Faith Berger writing the script.[3][2] It is a Canadian-Greek co-production. Principal photography began in Athens and Toronto in September 2024, and wrapped the next month, with Christina Moumouri serving as the cinematographer. Robert Lantos produced the film under his Serendipity Point Films production company, and Julia Rosenberg under her January Media production company. Laura Lanktree, Steve Solomos, and Nikolas Alavanos co-produced the film, with the latter producing under his Filmiki production company. Anant Singh served as an executive producer under his Distant Horizon production company. Harry Grivakis, Ernie Grivakis, Javi Hernandez, and Claire Peace-McConnell served as co-executive producers under the VVS Films banner. Konstantinos Skourletis designed the costumes for the film. Katie Stelmanis composed the score for the film. Mikaela Bodin edited the film. The film was produced in association with Telefilm Canada, Greek Film Centre, Distant Horizon, Bell Media, CBC, Ontario Creates, and the Harold Greenberg Fund, with the support of EKOME.[2]
Release
Distribution
VVS Films distributed the film in Canada, while Distant Horizion handeled the international sales.[2]
MPA rating
The film was rated NC-17 by the Motion Picture Association for "sexual content/graphic nudity", and was featured on the 7/16/2025 MPA/CARA rating bulletin.[4] The director of the film disagreed with the decision from the MPA to give the film an NC-17, despite the film being a love story.[3]
Premiere
The film premiered at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival on November 4, 2025.[5] The film is scheduled be released in North America on March 20, 2026.[6][7]
References
- ^ "Maya & Samar [18A]". Alberta Film Classification Office. January 6, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ a b c d Wiseman, Andreas (September 20, 2024). "'Eastern Promises' Producer Robert Lantos & 'The Breadwinner' Scribe Anita Doron Underway In Greece On 'Maya & Samar'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ a b Vourlias, Christopher (November 4, 2025). "'Maya & Samar' Director Blasts 'Shocking' NC-17 Rating: Queer Romantic Drama Celebrates 'Joy', 'Sacredness' of Love Between Women (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "CARA/MPA Film Ratings Bulletin 07/16/25; MPA Ratings & Rating Reasons For 'John Candy: I Like Me', 'A House Of Dynamite' & More". Screen-Connections. July 15, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Casemore, Jamie (October 31, 2025). "In Brief: Maya & Samar to debut at Thessaloniki". Playback. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "Maya & Samar". Cineplex. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Maya & Samar. Retrieved January 31, 2026 – via AMC Theaters.
External links
- Maya & Samar at IMDb