Amal (A Woman's Struggle) - Women's Voices Now

About AMAL

SYNOPSIS

Amal is a devoted mother whose life spirals into chaos after the mysterious deaths of two of her children. Struggling with schizophrenia, she is determined to uncover the truth behind the tragedy, even as her perception of reality begins to crumble. As Amal delves deeper into her investigation, she confronts haunting memories, unsettling clues, and a growing fear that the answers she seeks may be more horrifying than she imagined. Torn between love and madness, Amal’s journey becomes a gripping exploration of the fragile line between truth and illusion, leaving her — and everyone around her — forever changed.

CREDITS

Director: Peter Takla
Lead Actress/Producer: Judy Samwel
Writer: Judy Samwel
Cinematographer: Christian Meza
Producer: Peter Takla

About the Filmmakers

An Egyptian-American filmmaker with a deep love for storytelling, Judy brings a vibrant and multifaceted perspective to every project she touches. As a writer, producer, actor, filmmaker, and assistant director, she has developed a passion for creating meaningful work that reflects culture, resilience, and human connection.

Rooted in both heritage and heart, Judy’s creative journey has been shaped by her diverse background and a deep belief in the power of representation. She thrives on collaboration and loves bringing stories to life—from the page to the screen—with authenticity and emotional depth.

Judy has worked across independent film, digital media, and theatrical productions, wearing many hats behind and in front of the camera. Whether she’s producing a film, directing a scene, developing a script, or acting in a role, her dedication to the craft and to her community shines through.

She believes that storytelling can heal, connect, and inspire change—and she’s here to do exactly that.

Filmmakers Notes

Amal is a deeply personal and emotional journey that sheds light on the struggles of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, and its impact on motherhood and family. The film explores the fine line between reality and illusion, inviting viewers into the protagonist’s fractured psyche as she navigates her grief and unravels the truth.

With its raw storytelling, Amal aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for women, and open up a conversation about empathy, understanding, and support. It is a visually and emotionally compelling narrative designed to resonate with audiences on a universal level, leaving them with questions about perception, guilt, and love.

This film is not just a story; it’s a call to action for greater awareness, compassion, and change.

Calls to Action:

1. Advocate for Mental Health Awareness: Recognize the unique challenges women face in accessing proper mental health care. Share the importance of removing stigma and advocating for equal access to mental health resources for women and mothers globally.
2. Support Mothers in Crisis: Encourage compassion and support for mothers dealing with mental health issues. Whether through community programs, mental health organizations, or simply offering a helping hand, small acts of kindness can create a significant impact.
3. Promote Education on Mental Health: Push for educational programs that empower women and girls to understand mental health, seek help early, and support others. By fostering awareness, we can build a more understanding and equitable society.