Sharmin Sarif's I Cant Talk Straight which will be playing at the Roxie this week is the story of a Tala played by Lisa Ray a woman from Jordan who is planning to be married and who meets Leyla played by Sheetal Sheth a British Indian living in London. Leyla also has a boyfriend but the two women are almost immediately attracted to one another and fall in love. This is not without complications particularly for the mothers of the two women who are determined to have their daughters marry nice young men. Sarif is able to skillfully present the religion and politics for Jordan considered the most democratic country in the Middle East but where there is still a stigma for gays and lesbians as well as the realities of a British Indian family who has seen the L Word but still has prejudices. Leyla wonders how Tala can bring about change in her own country if she does not tell the truth. Both Leyla and Tala are able to challenge one another to strive for their highest fulfillment. I cant talk straight is a refreshing romantic love story with comic touches and just the right about of realness to make it a particularly entertaining film. Movie Magazine had the pleasure of speaking with Sarif in London in an exclusive interview.

For Movie Magazine this is Moira Sullivan San Francisco

© 2008 - Moira Sullivan - Air Date: 12/08