LAYLA (2023)

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The 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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Currently in post-production, the film is 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 and global sales, with Independent Entertainment handling individual territory sales. 

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Layla stars Bilal Hasna (pictured below by Rob Baker-Ashton) 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.