Hala Poster

Hala 2019

★ 6.383 votes93 min📅 2019-11-22

"Every journey begins where you come from."

In Minhal Baig's poignant drama Hala (2019), a spirited 17-year-old Pakistani American girl navigates the delicate tightrope between personal aspirations and the weight of family expectations.

Director: Minhal Baig

Cast

Geraldine Viswanathan
Geraldine Viswanathan
Hala Masood
Jack Kilmer
Jack Kilmer
Jesse Ross
Gabriel Luna
Gabriel Luna
Mr. Lawrence
Purbi Joshi
Purbi Joshi
Eram Masood
Hatta Azad Khan
Zahid
Taylor Marie Blim
Melanie
Anna Chlumsky
Anna Chlumsky
Shannon Taylor
Charin Alvarez
Charin Alvarez
Principal
Sam Straley
Sam Straley
Evan
Sonny Bhatt
Sonny Bhatt
Arash

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hala (2019) about?

Hala follows a 17-year-old Pakistani American teen as she struggles to reconcile her personal dreams with her family's cultural and religious expectations. When a hidden relationship threatens to expose her secret, she must confront the consequences of living a double life and decide how much of herself she's willing to sacrifice.

Who directed Hala?

Hala was directed by Minhal Baig, a filmmaker known for her intimate storytelling and nuanced portrayals of cultural identity.

Who stars in Hala?

The film stars Geraldine Viswanathan as Hala, alongside Jack Kilmer, Gabriel Luna, Purbi Joshi, and Hatta Azad Khan.

Is Hala (2019) worth watching?

Hala (2019) is a compelling drama that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth, making it well worth watching for fans of coming-of-age stories. Its themes of identity and family pressure are universally relatable, and Viswanathan's performance elevates the film to a memorable experience.

How long is Hala?

Hala has a runtime of 93 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Hala (2019) — A Pakistani-American Teen's Fight for Identity and Family

In Minhal Baig's poignant drama Hala (2019), a spirited 17-year-old Pakistani American girl navigates the delicate tightrope between personal aspirations and the weight of family expectations. Set against the vibrant backdrop of her Chicago community, Hala's journey unfolds as she secretly explores her identity—until a revelation threatens to fracture the delicate balance she's fought so hard to maintain. Director Baig crafts a tender yet urgent coming-of-age story, weaving themes of cultural duality and adolescent rebellion into a visually rich narrative that feels both intimate and universal.

With its emotionally charged atmosphere, Hala (2019) explores the collision between tradition and self-discovery through the eyes of a young woman caught between two worlds. Geraldine Viswanathan delivers a breakout performance as Hala, anchoring a story that's as much about familial love as it is about the quiet courage to forge one's own path. The film's intimate scale and relatable struggles make it a standout in the drama genre, resonating with anyone who's ever felt torn between duty and desire.