logo
Lyrical documentary ‘From Abdul to Leila' to screen in Berlin

Lyrical documentary ‘From Abdul to Leila' to screen in Berlin

Broadcast Pro5 days ago
The film traces Leila, a French-Iraqi woman, who after an accident and years in exile, reconnects with her dissident father by learning Arabic and singing her story.
French-Iraqi musician and filmmaker Leila Albayaty will present her lyrical documentary From Abdul to Leila at a special screening in Berlin on July 22 at 7 PM, hosted at Divan (Arabic Kulturhaus). The event will be followed by an exclusive Q&A session with the director herself.
The deeply personal film traces Albayaty's search for her lost Arabic identity, a journey set in motion by music passed down from her Iraqi father, Abdul. After surviving a traumatic accident that left her with memory loss and enduring years of exile, Leila returns to her family home in the south of France. There, she confronts both her father's past, marked by the Iraq war, and her own fragmented identity. Determined to understand where she comes from, she begins learning Arabic and sets to music the poems Abdul once wrote for her. Through this act of artistic and linguistic reconnection, long-buried memories begin to resurface.
From Abdul to Leila follows the emotional and physical odyssey of a woman who reclaims her story through music. As Leila travels from France to Iraq and Cairo, the narrative unfolds through intimate moments, blending documentary realism with poetic musicality. The film reveals her evolving relationship with her father, her struggle to overcome personal trauma, and her growing love for the Arabic language and culture.
The documentary has already received critical acclaim, winning the Best Documentary Award at the Arab Film Festival Rotterdam and the Annual Aarhus Film Festival in Denmark, along with the Grand Jury Prize at the Tetouan Mediterranean Film Festival.
The film was made possible with support from several cultural institutions, including Die Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien (BKM), the Centre du cinéma et de l'audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Medienboard Berlin Brandenburg, the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), the Doha Film Institute, Filmkunstering, the Goethe Institute of Cairo, and the French Institute of Tunis. It also participated in prominent industry platforms such as the Dubaï Film Connection, Sarajevo Cinelink Work in Progress and Medimed Barcelona.
From Abdul to Leila is not only a rediscovery of heritage but a powerful reflection on family, memory, displacement, and the healing power of music.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ziad Rahbani, iconic Lebanese musician and playwright, dies at 69
Ziad Rahbani, iconic Lebanese musician and playwright, dies at 69

Sharjah 24

time7 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

Ziad Rahbani, iconic Lebanese musician and playwright, dies at 69

A legacy of rebellion and innovation Often described as the enfant terrible of Lebanese culture, Rahbani left a lasting impact on generations through his provocative theatre pieces and innovative music. His work addressed political and social themes, often preempting or responding to Lebanon's turmoil, including the civil war that began in 1975. Revolutionary theatre and satire Rahbani's 1980 satirical play Film Ameriki Tawil (The American Motion Picture) remains one of his most iconic works. Set in an asylum during the civil war, it used humor and allegory to critique Lebanon's fractured society and political chaos. Musical heritage and oriental jazz As the son of Fairuz and Assi Rahbani—two pillars of Arab music—Ziad Rahbani inherited a profound artistic legacy. His contributions modernized Lebanese music, blending jazz with traditional Arabic melodies in a style he dubbed 'Oriental jazz.' His compositions for Fairuz brought her renewed popularity among younger generations. A voice for the marginalised Rahbani's outspoken secular and leftist views shaped both his art and public image. He consistently challenged Lebanon's sectarian divides and championed justice, earning him admiration across political lines. Tributes from across Lebanon Tributes poured in following his death. Actress Carmen Lebbos, his former partner, wrote: 'I feel like everything has gone. I feel like Lebanon has become empty.' President Joseph Aoun hailed Rahbani as 'a voice that rebelled against injustice, an honest mirror for the oppressed.' Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon had lost 'a free voice who stayed faithful to the values of justice and dignity.' Culture Minister Ghassan Salame expressed grief, noting, 'We dreaded this day as we knew his health was worsening and that his desire for treatment was dwindling.' Ziad Rahbani's fearless voice, creative spirit, and deep influence on Arab culture will be remembered for generations to come.

5 of the best dessert cafés in Dubai this summer
5 of the best dessert cafés in Dubai this summer

What's On

time8 hours ago

  • What's On

5 of the best dessert cafés in Dubai this summer

There's dessert at the end of dinner. Then there's dessert that's the whole plan, because sometimes dessert just needs its own moment. Cafés and spots built around doing one thing really well: dessert. And yes, there's good coffee too. Here are 5 of the best dessert cafés in Dubai for when you feel like sitting down for something layered, frozen, baked or plated. Bonbon Café Angelo Musa Images: Supplied Created by world-renowned pastry chef Angelo Musa, this elegant café at The Lana brings French patisserie to Dubai's waterfront. It's minimalist and calm. Expect perfectly structured entremets, intensely flavoured pistachio sorbets, delicate tarts, and signature millefeuille that's all about balance and technique. Ideal for a quiet sit-down or to grab something refined to go. Location: Bonbon Café, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Marasi Drive, Business Bay Times: Daily, 10am to 10pm Contact: (0)4 541 7755 | @ bonboncafeangelomusa Brunch & Cake Known mainly for brunch, this spot takes dessert seriously. Think thick-cut cakes, layered slices, and bold portions plated beautifully. Born in Barcelona, the space is breezy and social, with a light-filled interior that's made for catching up over carrot walnut cake, red velvet, or Japanese cheesecake. Dessert is definitely not an afterthought here and it's why a lot of people come in the first place. Location: Multiple locations; Brunch & Cake, Al Wasl, Jumeirah or Al Habtoor City Times: Daily from 9am to 10pm Contact: (0)4 422 5879 | @brunchandcakeuae Ganache Chocolatier, Dubai Hills Mall If you're into chocolate, this is your spot. Set inside Dubai Hills Mall, Ganache's café is modern, calm, and focused entirely on cocoa. The seating wraps around live chocolate stations where chefs plate up desserts in real time. Expect thick, rich hot chocolates, layered mousse cakes, dark-chocolate ganache domes, and house-made pralines. A must-visit for chocolate lovers. Location: Ganache Chocolatier, First Floor, Dubai Hills Mall Times: Daily, 10am to 11pm (subject to mall hours) Contact: (0)52 713 5003 | @ byganachechocolatier Brix Café Brix has a relaxed, minimalist vibe and a strong focus on flavour. It sits right by the water at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – a calm place for coffee and something well-made. On the dessert side, you'll find Basque cheesecake with the right burn, coconut jelly ice cream, Japanese sponge cake, and a standout vanilla mascarpone with lychee gel. Sweet, but not too sweet – and always interesting. Location: Brix Café, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Jumeirah 1 Times: Daily, 8am to 11pm Contact: (0)54 515 7861 | @ Ladurée Image: Ladurée website Inside Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue, Ladurée is a quiet step away from the crowds. It's all about refined patisserie in a soft Parisian tea-room setting. Macarons are the obvious draw, but there's more – like rose and raspberry Ispahan, hazelnut-layered Plaisir Sucré, and pretty tartlets you'll want to take home. Location: Ladurée, Fashion Avenue, Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall Times: Sunday to Thursday, 10am–12am; Friday to Saturday until 1am Contact: (0)4 321 3929 |

Heart Evangelista defends Marian Rivera from basher's comparison
Heart Evangelista defends Marian Rivera from basher's comparison

Filipino Times

time10 hours ago

  • Filipino Times

Heart Evangelista defends Marian Rivera from basher's comparison

Heart Evangelista came to the defense of fellow Kapuso actress Marian Rivera after a netizen compared them in a TikTok post. On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Heart shared photos with friends Anne Curtis and Solenn Heussaff taken during the store opening of a French luxury brand. In the comments section, one user threw shade by writing: 'Ganito ang class Marian—sa kilos, sa salita, at sa pag-uugali.' Heart took notice of the comment and replied, 'Wag ganon. Marian is a woman of her own.' Netizens praised Heart for her graceful and respectful response, with many expressing joy over what they believe is a sign that any past tension between the two stars has finally been resolved. More than a decade has passed since Marian and Heart figured in a reported conflict during the filming of their 2011 movie Temptation Island. Rumors of tension first surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) and in blind items, sparking speculations of a rift between the two. However, Heart denied the issue at the time in a tweet dated June 11, 2011, where she wrote: 'Let's not make a big fuss. Marian and I are okay. Showbiz is showbiz so, Heartworld, wag na tayo mag-away-away.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store