Alia's Birth

Alia's Birth is a 2021 independent drama film by Sam Abbas starring Poorna Jagannathan, Nikohl Boosheri, Maya Kazan, and Samuel H. Levine.

Alia's Birth
Poster
Directed bySam Abbas
Written bySam Abbas
Produced by
  • Sam Abbas
  • Tatiana Bears
  • Nicole Townsend
  • Nakai Mirtenbaum
  • Quim Del Rio
Starring
CinematographySoledad Rodríguez
Edited bySam Abbas
Production
companies
  • ArabQ Films
  • Anacrónica
Release date
  • 26 August 2021 (2021-08-26)
LanguageEnglish

Cast

Production

In April 2019, it was announced Poorna Jagannathan, Nikohl Boosheri, were cast for Alia's Birth, with Sam Abbas directing the film. Tatiana Bears, Nicole Townsend and Abbas were producing, with Sig De Miguel and Stephen Vincent co-producing.[1][2] Shortly after the rest of the cast was released.[3][4]

Abbas released exclusively via The Hollywood Reporter a contest for female-filmmakers to submit their short works to be included in Alia's Birth. The response was tremendous, with hundreds of submissions[5] He quoted, "While I can't talk much about the narrative, the importance of this short piece being female-directed is crucial, Alia's Birth is female-led, from the acting to behind the camera. I find it easier to communicate and collaborate when working with women. I grew up surrounded by amazing women, and my favorite films are led by women."[6] Abbas also mentioned that the winner of the short film contest was filmmaker Sindha Agha.[7]

Release

In May 2020, The Hollywood Reporter released a first-look of the feature with major information. The film was shortlisted for the 2020 Cannes Film festival before the festival was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Abbas made it clear that the film was for theatrical viewings only. It would never have a life outside of theatres; no DVD/Blu-ray/VOD release.[8] The film premiered on 26 August 2021.[9]

Reception

The Guardian was the first to review saying "the sudden onrush of biological imperative gives this footage a gripping undeniability and focus that this loosely collaged account of a foundering Brooklyn relationship has been searching for".[10]

References
  1. "'The Night Of,' 'The Bold Type' Stars to Lead LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  2. "Poorna Jagannathan, Nikohl Boosheri To Topline 'Alia's Birth'". Deadline. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  3. "'Actors Samuel H. Levine (Bull, Red Oaks), Maya Kazan (The Unicorn, Boardwalk Empire), and Edward Akrout (Turn, Gypsy) have been added to the cast of Sam Abbas' indie drama, Alia's Birth". Deadline. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  4. "' cast for the queer drama Alia's Birth has also been announced". GLAAD. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  5. "Egyptian Director Sam Abbas Launches Contest for Female Filmmakers (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  6. "Sam Abbas launches contest for female filmmakers". Outlook (Indian magazine). Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  7. "First-Look Photo: Sam Abbas' LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  8. "First-Look Photo: Sam Abbas' LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  9. Sandran, Aravin (12 August 2021). "Alia's Birth Director Sam Abbas Doesn't Write Scripts". GQ. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  10. Hoad, Phil (23 August 2021). "Alia's Birth review – a loosely collaged portrait of a foundering relationship". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.