Bio:
I'm a dental student at UCLA and an amateur filmmaker. Laila, the subject of the film has become an inspiration of mine. The simple act of welcoming someone strange/foreign into your life can be enlightening. We cannot allow ourselves to fear someone because they are different. I want to make films that show that we are all one family and that our differences make us stronger. Laila wears a niqab but she is as american as apple pie. In response to a comment I got about the video I want to add the following: As the creator of this short video, I want to explain that I am not a Muslim. I merely act in the film as a Muslim. I would also like to point out that I do not portray a Muslim woman that disrespectfully removes her niqab in public; the character I portray removes it only when inside her husband's home. I respect the niqab. This video is based on my friend Laila. She is extremely modest and shy. In the beginning, I was intimidated by her appearance. Once I got to know her, I was awestruck by her friendliness. I hope that when filmmakers show a woman taking off her hijab or niqab that the actress is not a Muslim and that they do so with respect and pure intentions.

Location:
Los Angeles, CA

Website: