Layla

In Amrou Al-Kadhi’s directorial feature debut Layla, the eponymous drag queen (played with great frankness and sensitivity by newcomer Bilal Hasna) lives a life full of fun, though pocked by conflict. 

A wild onstage presence in east London’s drag clubs, but somewhat shy away from the spotlight, the non-binary Arab performer has a loving and nurturing group of friends but hides their true identity from their family.

Having made a hilarious, profane scene at a corporate gig, Layla attracts the attention of marketing executive Max and a tentative romance begins.

Event/ The special preview screening of Layla on Sat 16 Nov will be followed by a Q&A with writer-director Amrou Al-Kadhi and producer Savannah James-Bayly. Our host for the evening is leading screenwriter and producer Russell T Davies (It’s a Sin, Years and Years, Queer as Folk).

This work contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.