Layla M.

About Layla M.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Layla M. is a Dutch movie released in 2016. It falls under the genre of Dutch Movies. It revolves around the story of Layla, a young Dutch-Moroccan teenager who finds herself drawn into radical Islam. The movie explores her struggle with identity, religion, and her desire to belong.

The plot follows Layla as she becomes increasingly isolated from her family and friends due to her radical beliefs. She chooses to wear a hijab and starts attending Quran classes. Layla becomes involved with a group of Muslim men who are planning terrorist attacks.

The movie offers a thought-provoking portrayal of the challenges faced by young Muslims in Western societies and the allure of radical ideologies.

Making / Production

Layla M. was directed by Mijke de Jong and produced by Jeroen Beker and Els Vandevorst. The movie was shot in various locations in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam and Utrecht.

The production team worked closely with Muslim communities to ensure an accurate portrayal of the culture and religion featured in the movie. They also faced challenges in finding the right balance between highlighting the issues faced by young Muslims without promoting stereotypes or perpetuating negative stereotypes about Islam.

Actors

• Layla - Nora El Koussour
• Abdel - Ilias Addab
• Fatima - Hassan Akkouch
• Mohammed - Yasemin Cetinkaya
• Ali - Mohammed Azaay
• Samira - Anis Chatrouss

Nora El Koussour played the lead role of Layla with intensity and vulnerability. She brilliantly portrayed the character's inner conflict and the journey she goes through. Ilias Addab played the role of Abdel, Layla's boyfriend, who was also drawn into radical Islam. Hassan Akkouch and Yasemin Cetinkaya portrayed Layla's parents, Fatima and Mohammed, who struggle to understand and accept their daughter's choices.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was inspired by the real-life stories of young Muslims in the Netherlands who have been radicalized.
• Layla M. premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016.
• The film received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal and nuanced exploration of radicalization.

Awards

Layla M. was nominated for several awards, including the Golden Calf for Best Film at the Netherlands Film Festival.

Quotes

• "I just want to live my life the way I want, without others judging me." - Layla
• "It's not about religion; it's about control." - Layla

Music

The movie uses a combination of original score and licensed music to enhance the storytelling. The score, composed by Matthijs Kieboom, captures the tension and emotional journey of the protagonist.

Soundtrack

• "Blackbird" - Fatima Yamaha
• "Ya Man Toura" - Les Musiciens du Nil
• "Rachid Ouiguini" - Lemchaheb
• "Lost Game" - Ruud Houweling