Dr Myriam François, Yousra Samir Imran

Screening and Q&A: Finding Alaa and Myriam François

Description

Myriam François’ directorial debut, Finding Alaa tells the story of a grandfather, Azdyne Amimour, searching for his 5-year-old granddaughter Aicha; the daughter of an ISIS terrorist responsible for the 2015 Paris Attack. 

Believing her to be in a refugee camp in Northern Syria, Azdyne begins a journey to save her in a way that he could never save his son. The film explores themes of guilt and innocence, identity and belonging, as we meet the ‘other victims of ISIS’ – the families torn apart in its wake, trying to atone for crimes they never committed.

This special screening will be followed by an interview with the director, Myriam François.

About the Speaker

Dr Myriam François

Myriam François, is an English journalist, filmmaker and writer. Her work has appeared on the BBC, Channel 4 and Al Jazeera. She is the founder and CEO of production company MPWR productions, which specialises in documentary films which centre on minoritised voices.

About the Chair

Yousra Samir

Yousra Samir Imran

Yousra Samir Imran is the author of semi-autobiographical novel Hijab and Red Lipstick, which was longlisted for The Diverse Book Awards in 2021. She is also a freelance journalist. Her bylines include The New Arab, Al Jazeera, The New York Times Magazine, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Stylist. Yousra is a commentator on contemporary issues in Muslim societies, gender justice in the Middle East and women’s rights in Islam.