Leila Ibrahim's - Documentary

Hi! My name is Leila Ibrahim and I am a Queer, Palestinian and Puerto Rican filmmaker based in Philadelphia. I’m here to ask for your help in funding the production of my senior thesis film at The University of the Arts. My film is a personal documentary that follows me as I reconnect with my Palestinian heritage and learn what life means for me as someone living with these intersectional identities.

About The Film:

“In search of her place within the community, this personal documentary follows a young queer woman’s journey of acceptance and self-teaching as she reconnects with her Palestinian heritage.“

Being both Palestinian and Puerto Rican has always felt like a privilege and a joy. Having the opportunity to call both communities mine and to be exposed to so much culture is something I’d never change. Growing up, I had the best of both worlds, celebrating both Christmas and Eid, families speaking Spanish and Arabic, trips to Puerto Rico & Palestine, and of course so much great food. And I never really had a reason to feel out of place because life is easier when you're a kid. There aren’t many religious and cultural expectations for you, which worked really well for me. Unfortunately, life doesn’t stay that simple and, as I grew up I learned very quickly that I was viewed as the odd one out. My identities no longer blended and instead clashed, making me feel like an outsider in what was supposed to be my community.

It’s difficult when your only exposure to half of who you are is a few days a month. Life moves fast and I couldn’t keep up with the cultural changes that come with becoming a young woman. Especially, at a time when I had to work through my sexuality and understand what it meant to be gay in addition to what it meant for me as a Muslim and a Palestinian. This feeling of being caught in the middle and not feeling like I had a place anywhere caused me to reject my culture. It didn’t feel possible to be all of them at once.

That’s how we’re here, making a movie! I’ve been in a constant state of yearning for a culture that should be mine since I was 14. Though making this post and project is terrifying from a coming-out standpoint, I am proud and confident of my sexuality and I’ve always been proud to be Palestinian. Where I lack is the confidence in deserving the title of Palestinian. This documentary is meant to follow me as I find confidence within the community, realizing that connecting with my heritage isn’t a lost cause. If this story pulled at you in any way I hope you choose to support it!

How The Money Will Be Used:

I plan to learn about Palestine and reconnect with my culture through food, language, art, customs and more. The production itself also costs money with the crew, equipment and props.

To give you a sense of what you’ll be funding, here’s a list:

Mission:

I aim to create films in the future that highlight Queer, Arab & Latinx communities that continue to be underrepresented in the media. I believe this film has the opportunity to make an impact and your support, even through reposting, would help tremendously.

Thank you for your support!

Venmo & Cashapp: @leilagibrahim

Instagram: @leilawut @leilagibrahim