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Leila

Name: Leila
Director: Naidra Ayadi
Released: 2018
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2018

Director

Naidra Ayadi

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Naidra Ayadi’s drama offers a detailed look at the Algerian diaspora in France. It excels by delving into the ways historical trauma and geopolitical instability affect a modern family. The film avoids simplistic representations and instead provides a nuanced exploration of post-colonial identity. While the film effectively challenges traditional patriarchal structures and explores the complexities of post-colonial identity, it does not address LGBTQ+ or disability narratives. These areas remain unexplored in the storyline.

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Category Breakdown

Does Leila have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on the family dynamics of a heterosexual immigrant household. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-conforming gender identities.

How does Leila portray gender?

Fair

Latifa is portrayed as an assertive woman who drives the plot forward, challenging the passive role of the father. This shifts the traditional patriarchal structure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Leila?

Excellent

The story centers around an Algerian family living in Europe, examining their experiences after fleeing a civil war. It explores the complexities of post-colonial identity.

How does Leila represent religion and culture?

Good

The film highlights the conflict between traditional cultural values and modern Western individualism. It shows the tension between maintaining immigrant heritage and adapting to urban life.

Does Leila include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned in the film.

Present on Screen

Provides a deep exploration of the Algerian diaspora and post-colonial identity.
Subverts traditional patriarchal hierarchies through strong female characters.
Examines the tension between immigrant heritage and modern urban life.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-conforming gender roles.
Lacks characters or narratives addressing disability.

Official Synopsis

Hakim and Latifa fled the Algerian civil war in the early 90s. They live since in the Jura, with their two daughters: Nedjma 14 years, and Leila, the eldest, left to study hair in Paris. Three days before Christmas, Nedjma receives a terse SMS from her older sister. She will not be able to come to join them for the holidays, pretexting once more an overload of work - Latifa attacks Hakim and pushes him to fetch Leïla. Nedjma will come with him, they will take the opportunity to discover Paris. Upon their arrival in the hair salon, they learn that Leila has actually never worked. It is the journey of a father who begins in Paris one night until dawn.

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