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 | |
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 Poster | |
| Directed by | Sam Abbas |
| Written by | Sam Abbas |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Soledad Rodríguez |
| Edited by | Sam Abbas |
Production company |
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Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Cast
edit- Poorna Jagannathan as Jaime
- Nikohl Boosheri as Tess
- Maya Kazan as Jenna
- Samuel H. Levine as Shadi
- Edward Akrout as Tom
Production
editIn 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
editIn May 2020, The Hollywood Reporter released a first-look of the feature with major information. 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 August 26, 2021.[9]
Reception
editThe 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
edit- ^ "'The Night Of,' 'The Bold Type' Stars to Lead LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. April 23, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
- ^ "Poorna Jagannathan, Nikohl Boosheri To Topline 'Alia's Birth'". Deadline. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
- ^ "'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. May 15, 2019. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
- ^ "' cast for the queer drama Alia's Birth has also been announced". GLAAD. April 25, 2019. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
- ^ "Egyptian Director Sam Abbas Launches Contest for Female Filmmakers (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. May 14, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- ^ "Sam Abbas launches contest for female filmmakers". Outlook (Indian magazine). Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- ^ "First-Look Photo: Sam Abbas' LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
- ^ "First-Look Photo: Sam Abbas' LGBTQ Drama 'Alia's Birth'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
- ^ Sandran, Aravin (August 12, 2021). "Alia's Birth Director Sam Abbas Doesn't Write Scripts". GQ. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
- ^ Hoad, Phil (August 23, 2021). "Alia's Birth review – a loosely collaged portrait of a foundering relationship". The Guardian. Retrieved August 23, 2021.