David & Layla (2005)

David & Layla is a 2005 independent film written and directed by Jay Jonroy.

Plot

Inspired by a true story, sparks fly when a Jew and a Kurdish Muslim fall in love in New York. David (David Moscow), TV host of "Sex & Happiness", becomes smitten with the voluptuous Layla (Shiva Rose) - a mysterious, sensual dancer who turns out to be a refugee from Kurdistan, fleeing from Saddam Hussein's regime. David's reckless pursuit of Layla sets off an unveiling of the similarities and contrasts of their ancient cultures. His lust grows into love as he discovers in stunning Layla a sensitive, intelligent war survivor with a rich culture that echoes his own. But their families are dead set against their unlikely romance. Faced with deportation, Layla must choose: David or Dr. Ahmad? Will David and Layla follow their hearts and blast through centuries of religious animosity?

Written, produced, and directed by Jay Jonroy aka J.J. Alani, this film was inspired by the true story of the Kurdish Muslim-Jewish couple Alwan Jaff and her husband David Ruby who now live in Paris. Both appear in cameo roles in the film.

Cast

David Moscow as David Fine

Shiva Rose as Layla

Callie Thorne as Abby

Peter Van Wagner

Polly Adams

Will Janowitz as Woody Fine

Anna George as Zina, Uncle Al's Wife

Ed Chemaly

Alexander Blaise

Tibor Feldman as Rabbi Rabinovich

Reception

The Washington Post called it "a frothy little romantic comedy." Variety described it as "an earnest, frequently funny comedy." Film Journal International said "the picture takes its time in developing momentum; once attained, it becomes a watchable, optimistic cri de coeur."

References

External links

"Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Expands its Digital Film Library with Critically Acclaimed Independent Films". August 11, 2009. Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2020.

Official Trailer David & Layla on Youtube

David & Layla at IMDb