Leyla and Mecnum abroad

Directed by: Zeynep Özkaya

The story of the total love of my mother for my father and the consequences of the migration to the Netherlands

During my last visit to the birth place of my parents in Turkey, I found a pile of old love letters in the form of lyrics from my mother to my father.  These letters tell of a passionate long-distance love shared between Turkey and the Netherlands.   It's a story full of gaps which I, as youngest child in the family, am unable to fill.  In contrast to how I remember my parents, this story begins with 'They were just like Leyla and Mecnun '.  

The story of Leyla and Mecnun is the most famous love story from the world of Islam.  Leyla en Mecnun's love is still regarded as the symbol of passionate love in the east.  Mecnun has continued to express his feelings for centuries via his poetry and songs which are passed on through generations.  But what is going on with Leyla's voice?

Production: Xeynia Productions & The Dutch Muslim Broadcasting Organisation (NMO)

Next screening:
Tuesday 17 March on screen 7 Filmhuis The Hague
Commencement program screen 7: 7.30pm, commencement film on screen 6: 9.30pm
Price: € 9.50, includes snack and drink (€ 4.75 euro with Ooievaarspas, CJP or Studentenpas)
Location: Filmhuis The Hague, Spui 191, reservations: 070 3656030

Also: Sunday 22 March at 1.00pm. Zeynep Özkaya will be present for discussion after the screening.

See the trailer on Youtube
For more information:   IDFAsite