Artist Statement
"I am Layla" is a commentary on the complexities of individual identity. It explores the journey of balancing cultural and religious expectations with personal desires. The short film features Layla, a young Muslim Arab woman, as she navigates the challenges associated with reconciling traditional and modern values as a Muslim Arab female fitting in a modern Westernized society. It delves into Layla’s world while she struggles with her identity, until she realizes the fluidity in it and that she’s not defined by social norms and expectations, leading to her coming to terms with her uniqueness.
In line with the filming trends of the French New Wave and the Japanese New Wave movements, which challenged the conventional ways of movie-making, “I am Layla” was filmed using a moving, handheld camera, and shots were made in real locations with the aid of my friends (nonprofessional actors), adding elements of realism. It also involves the use of jump cuts which help highlight the paradox in Layla’s distinct worlds and the duality of human experiences. Keep in mind that although the timeline of the events is linear, Layla’s look at herself in the mirror adds a non-linear element to the storytelling, and the slight ambiguity in the resolution of Layla’s internal conflict adds a touch of authenticity.
I hope this short film creates an entertaining, reflective, and thought-provoking experience that resonates with anyone who has ever had trouble balancing their identity with their cultural background or with the standards of society.