LAYLA (2024)

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Due for release by Curzon on 22nd November 2024 across UK and Ireland, Layla is debut feature of regular collaborator, Amrou Al-Kadhi, drawing on their lived experiences as a British-Iraqi drag performer in London.

 

Layla is a struggling British-Palestinian drag performer whose confident façade hides their desperate desire for love. When their performance at a belittling corporate Pride event turns into a transgressive takedown, they are surprised to win the affection of Max, a charming, successful white gay man who is bewitched by Layla’s power on stage. It sparks a thrilling romance from across the aisles of the LGBTQ+ community, as both Layla and Max negotiate how desire and identity can sometimes collide.

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The film was backed by Film4 and the BFI. Nina Yang Bongiovi, producer Sorry To Bother You and Passing, and business partner Forest Whitaker, are executive producers on the film through Significant Productions/AUM group, providing additional funding. WME Independent is handling North America sales, with Independent Entertainment handling ROW. 

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Layla stars Bilal Hasna and Louis Greatorex with Safiyya Ingar, Terique Jarrett, Darkwah and Sarah Agha. Queer icons including Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka pop star Self Esteem and 2022 RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant, Baby, also feature in the film. 

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SUNDANCE: World dramatic competition 2024

BFI FLARE FESTIVAL: Opening night 2024

LONDON FILM FESTIVAL 2024

GALWAY FLEADH: Generations 2024

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Director, Amrou Al-Kadhi, has received a BIFA longlist for Debut Director; Producer, Savannah James-Bayly, has received a BIFA longlist for Breakthrough  Producer; and star Bilal Hasna has received a BIFA longlist for Breakthrough Performer.