Leila has been fascinated by stories in the broadest sense from a young age. As a young woman, she became involved in a youth theater festival where she was challenged to write and create her own work. Since then, she hasn’t stopped.

In addition to film, Leila writes for theater and poetry and is active as a director. Her inspiration often comes from her fascination with why we do what we do and how we become who we are. According to Leila, stories should connect, broaden your horizons, and above all, be diverse.

She wrote the screenplay for the short film LAST RIDE (IJswater Films) as part of the KORT! program. This film, directed by Edson da Conceicao, was selected for the RTM IFFR 50th edition in 2021.

Leila made her debut as a director (script by Leila) with the short film MAYSA (July Film/BNNVARA). The film was nominated for the Debut Competition at the Dutch Film Festival.

Both films can be requested via barbara@features.agency.

Leila was the head writer for the NPO series SIHAME (Fiction Valley) based on an idea by Achmed Akkabi. In 2024, Leila focused on making her debut film LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT as both screenwriter and director for Telefilm 2025, produced by Family Affair Films.