“Hala” a Chicago story on Apple TV | Film Review

“Hala” is an indie film shot in Chicago that, if you’re like me, you might have missed. Sadly it was on my list for the Chicago International Film Festival but got scratched due to some scheduling conflicts.  I finally got to see it and at the time of this writing it’s available to view through Apple TV.

Written and directed by Minhal Baig, born and raised in Roger’s Park, the film is inspired by her life experiences growing up in a Muslim family while attending Northside College Prep in the North Park neighborhood.

Seventeen year-old Hala Masood (Geraldine Viswanathan) is a Pakistani American Muslim girl struggling to navigate high school, hormones, and harmony within her home. Her sexual awakenings have her laser focused on Jesse, (Jack Kilmer) a non-Muslim boy in her school, bringing her into direct conflict with her family and the cultural dictates of her ethnic community.

The film location makes this story of particular interest, from a Chicago perspective, to those of us who know and understand this neighborhood.

Also look for Chicago native Anna Chlumsky who is perhaps best known for her juvenile role as Vada Sultenfuss opposite McCauly Culkin in the 1991 film My Girl. After a hiatus from acting, to study International Studies at University of Chicago, Chlumsky has returned to TV and film, and is here all grown up, giving us one more Chicago connection.

“Hala” is definitely worth the viewing for both the sensitive and well told story as well as its distinctive Chicago vibe. (Listen to the entire podcast review and please like, share and subscribe.)