January 19th 2025.
Amrou Al-Kadhi, a talented filmmaker, author, thespian, and drag queen, recently shared their thoughts on the future of queer Arab representation. Hailing from a British Iraqi background, Amrou is not interested in telling the typical "trauma stories" that often define the queer Arab community. They prefer to reside in the grey area, where their creativity knows no bounds.
Known by their drag persona Glamrou, Amrou is a creative powerhouse. They have been nominated for Sundance for their feature debut Layla, and are part of the Bafta-nominated team behind the Apple TV show Little America. They are also the author of a critically acclaimed memoir and regularly sell out shows at the Soho Theatre.
Amrou's work often focuses on the queer Arab experience, adding vibrant colors to the lives of this complex community filled with joy, pain, and a rich history. Their latest film, Layla, which was released in UK cinemas in November, follows the story of a drag queen experiencing an identity crisis when they fall in love for the first time.
Despite some critics wanting more drama or trauma in the film, Amrou was determined to upend stereotypes and showcase the chaos of intersectionality and belonging in the queer Arab community. They have also created a vibrant LGBTQ+ community on WhatsApp, which has thousands of members from all over the world.
In addition to their film work, Amrou is also committed to fixing the broken media landscape. They believe in the power of storytelling and art to engage with people's humanity and evoke emotions. This belief is evident in their new show at the Soho Theatre, Drag Mother, where they play both Glamrou and a drag version of their Muslim mother, attempting to reconcile their relationship and understand the root of their mother's homophobia.
Amrou admits to envying fictional white characters who can be "a******s" on screen without the burden of being the only representation someone may come across. They also acknowledge the challenges facing queer people and drag queens in today's world, with increasing hostility and violence. However, this only fuels their determination to create daring and critical art.
Despite the challenges and potential backlash, Amrou urges industry execs to trust minorities to tell their own stories authentically. They also acknowledge the difficulties that come with exposure and the need for a strong support system to drown out hurtful opinions.
In conclusion, Amrou's passion for storytelling and creating change in the media landscape is evident in their work. They believe that now is the time to be daring and provocative, and they will continue to use their platform to showcase the diverse experiences of the queer Arab community.
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