Podtalk: Chicago Co-Producer JoAnn Fakhouri on Digital Release of ‘Dreams I Never Had’

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CHICAGO – Immigration is a hot-button topic in our current landscape, and director Iyad Hajjaj has pushed that button with his latest film, “Dreams I Never Had.” The spin in the story is based on truth, where a teenage girl – trafficked illegally into America – is attached to a family to essentially become their domestic laborer. Chicagoan JoAnn Fakhouri was the co-producer on the project, and brought in some Chicago talent to contribute to the production. “Dreams I Never Had” is now available for download on Amazon Prime Video and other digital outlets.

Layla (Fidelia Grace) is the girl, who works up to 16 hours a day for a wealthy Southern California family headed by Sam Sahal (Iyad Hajjaj, also acting) and his wife Suzanne (Golsa Sarabi). Layla speaks no English, and no one knows where she is. Things begin to change when she befriends Emilio (Manuel Domenech), the son of an undocumented worker from Mexico. He teaches her English, and begins to bring her out of the isolation she has suffered. When an INS raid involves Emilio, Layla exposes herself to authorities, which eventually leads to a trial involving Judge Messner (Malcolm McDowell) and prosecuting attorney Hernandez (Robin Givens).

NeverHad
Inset: Co-Producer JoAnn Fakhouri with Robin Givens and Iyad Hajjaj of ‘Dreams I Never Had’
Photo credit: Missing Piece Pictures

In the following Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, co-producer JoAnn Fakhouri talks about the origins of the story, and her contributions in bringing in Chicago talent in the making of the film.


“Dreams I Never Had” is available for digital download. See providers for details. Featuring Malcolm McDowell, Robin Givens, Iyad Hajjaj, Fidelia Grace, Manual Domenech and Golsa Sarabi. Written by Lisa Jan Savy. Directed by Iyad Hajjaj. Not Rated.

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2019 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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