A film and discussion about identity, belonging and the ways food and storytelling connect us
Mar 12, 2026 | 6:30-8:30pm
6:15 pm | Theater doors open
6:30 pm | Film: Mahsa (or the Girl Who Ate Her Way Home)
7:30pm | Discussion and Q&A with Mahsa Darabi, Founder of MAHSA CHAI® and star of the film plus some special guests
TICKETS:
Pay what you can; tickets for this event will be a sliding scale of $0-$15. You ticket will include a 4oz sample of MAHSA CHAI® (vegan).
About the Film
Mahsa (or the Girl Who Ate Her Way Home) Armed with a voracious curiosity, impulsive slant, and intrinsic ability to connect with others, Iranian immigrant Mahsa Darabi delves into her deep-seated longing to understand her heritage, reflects on the current civil unrest in her homeland, and then embarks on a journey to somehow find her way back to her roots in Iran through the common language of food. In doing so, she travels to Portland, Los Angeles, and Mexico to expose the beautiful and inherently connected mess that is humanity, through the truths of food and story. We find that despite the contrasts we’ve created through generations of drawing borders, forming traditions, and purveying beliefs, we are more alike than we are different. Mahsa works to unearth a better understanding for our place within this vast collective, and to spur a renewed social thirst for discourse.
Duration: 62 minutes | Recommended for ages 12+
What is Reel Science?
Watch and learn at The Empirical Theater as OMSI brings the science of your favorite movies and documentaries to life on the big screen. Perfect for science and film lovers alike, this series combines the best of Science Pub with the fun of movie night, bringing in experts to amplify your movie-watching experience.
Mahsa Darabi, Founder of MAHSA CHAI® and star of the film
Mahsa Darabi is the founder of MAHSA CHAI®, a chai company rooted in Persian culture, storytelling, and community. She is also the star and co-creator of the documentary film Mahsa (or the Girl Who Ate Her Way Home), which explores identity, resilience, and the power of cultural connection through food and tradition. Through her work as an entrepreneur and storyteller, Darabi centers immigrant experiences and creates spaces where heritage, healing, and conversation can flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Email event@omsi.edu
Ticketing questions call 503-797-4000 x0
Yes, the Empirical Cafe will be open with prepackaged salads, sandwiches and movie snacks. The bar will be open to guests that are 21+. No outside food or drink is allowed.
Click here for OMSI’s overall accessibility information. Below are the specific details for the Empirical Theater.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.
The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
- CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
- Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
- Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:
- Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- Two accessible seating area chairs 39.29″ high, 29.5″ wide, and 29″ deep
- Additional accessible seating area chairs available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- The weight capacity for the accessible seating area chairs are 500lbs, and the additional accessible seating area chairs support between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
- Noise reducing headphones
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Visual and auditory timer
- 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
- Sanitizing wipes
Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs.
OMSI has a new parking system via the mobile parking app, Parking Kitty, to create an easier and more streamlined experience for our visitors. Parking is $2 + fees for after-hours events. We recommend you download the app prior to your arrival at OMSI. You can also pay via their website at www.parkingkitty.com