While reluctantly preparing at a beauty salon for a wedding, a Palestinian American teenager clashes with her family members, challenging her assumptions about culture and femininity.
In this coming of age drama set in the mid-2000s, NOUR, 16, a Palestinian American girl, must rediscover her multicultural identity after years of repressing her background and growing up among western standards of beauty. Nour visits Palestine to attend a family wedding, meeting some of her relatives for the first time. On the morning of the ceremony, she begrudgingly accompanies her aunties to the salon to get ready. Guided by her aunt MONA who resents Nour’s single father for leaving, Nour is overwhelmed among the new and eclectic mix of family members. She soon finds role models in her female relatives, who inspire her to embrace herself. In one morning, Nour navigates culture and belonging, finally accepting herself and her identity.
Based on true experiences, JAMILA explores the sometimes-bumpy journey of girlhood and the internalized pressures our society creates. The strongest thing we can do is learn to let these go.
Our director Julia and the rest of the team is so passionate about this film and we can’t wait to bring it to life. To do so, we need your help! Thesis funding depends on your generous donations, which will directly fund the production and post-production process. Proper funding will help this film truly reach its potential. We thank you so much for your support.
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Peri Michael 