Elaha (Bayan Layla) is a young Kurdish-German woman torn between the unconditional love for her family and her own aspirations in life. Although she cares most about having a good time with her girlfriends and taking care of her younger brother, she has to fight patriarchy while being the perfect daughter. Ultimately, she has to make a decision: To tell the truth or live a life in grand delusion. A psychological journey about emancipation that reveals that only by facing reality, we can be true to ourselves.

Premiering at Berlinale, the feature debut of Armenian-born filmmaker Milena Aboyan is a “sexually candid, seriously intentioned film” featuring a “heartfelt and courageous performance from 28-year-old Syrian-born, German-based actor Bayan Layla” (The Guardian).

“This accomplished debut feature from Armenian-born director Milena Aboyan stands out, exploring the theme, and the knotty complexity of Elaha’s cultural identity, with sensitivity, brisk energy and a sure directorial hand.” –Observer

DIRECTED BY MILENA ABOYAN
GERMANY | 2023 | GERMAN, KURDISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES