HELL IN PARADISE

“I met Virginie Silla and I was struck by how strong she was. When I was shown the screenplay written by her sister Karine, I was fascinated by it instantly. The story really reflected my own interests, in particular those addressed in my film series Banlieusards. Behind this paradisiacal scenario, there is a meditation on themes like incarceration, control, and freedom. That was fairly clear. […] The fact that the film was based on a true story meant it called for great sensitivity. We wanted to avoid any distortions and stayed true to the complexity of Nina’s trials and tribulations, paying homage to her strength of will and determination.” (Leïla Sy)

Leïla Sy graduated from the Penninghen School of Graphic Arts and started her career as a dancer, musician, photographer, and artistic director, collaborating with the Rodlaur Agency (DIOR, Barbie Joaillerie, Mikimoto) and the American magazine The Source. She went on to work for the magazine Insensé Photo, exploring contemporary photography. Her eclectic bent led her to make numerous music videos for Kery James, Diam’s, Zaho, Lino, Fianso, NTM, Soolking, Gaël Faye, and L.E.J. In 2011, she directed the documentary Rimes et Châtiments, about censorship in French rap music. Three years later, she co-directed her first feature film with Kery James: Banlieusards, available on Netflix. In 2022, she completed two films, Yo mama and Banlieusards 2, both of which also on Netflix. Shooting has just ended on Banlieusards 3, so to find out how the trilogy on the banlieue ends, there are a few more months to go.