Layla (film)

Layla is a 2024 British romance film written and directed by Amrou Al-Kadhi in their feature directorial debut.

Premise
While navigating their identity around friends and family, Layla, a non-binary British-Palestinian drag queen living in London, falls in love with Max, an advertising executive.

Cast

 * Bilal Hasna as Layla
 * Louis Greatorex as Max
 * Safiyya Ingar as Princy
 * Terique Jarrett as Felix
 * Darkwah as Lucilla
 * Sarah Agha as Fatima
 * Baby
 * Rebecca Lucy Taylor as Emily
 * Buket Komur as Sara
 * Emma McDonald as Areej
 * Ghazi Al Ruffai as Travis

Production
Savannah James-Bayly produced the film for Fox Cub Films. Executive producers include Farhana Bhula of Film4, Kristin Irving of BFI, Mary Burke of Public Dreams, and Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker of Significant Productions. Principal photography took place in East London over six weeks and wrapped in December 2022.

Release
Film4 holds the UK and Ireland TV distribution rights. A first look image was shared in December 2022. Layla was selected by the BFI and British Council for the Great8 showcase at the 2023 Cannes Marché.

The film premiered in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Gallery
Images from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival screening of Layla: