Leyla currently has two feature films in development, one with Short Circuit’s First Features scheme and one with Young Films where she’s been paired with commissioner Film4.

Leyla’s short film Groom was funded by Short Circuit, BFI Network and produced by Lothian Films. She was mentored by Lynne Ramsay and Jennifer Reeder through the process.

Groom has played at BIFA, BAFTA and Academy qualifying festivals including Edinburgh International Film Festival, Bolton Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival and Glasgow Short Film Festival where it won Attic Pitch Award. Leyla won First Prize for Direction at Academy qualifying Rhode Island Flickers Fest. Groom was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA 2022 and a Critics Circle Award 2022. It won best short at World of Film Festival, HB Film Festival, Best Cinamatography at Interlink Berlin amongst others.

Leyla has been named one of Screen International's Rising Star Scotland 2022. She was part of Edinburgh International Film Festival Talent Lab and is part of BAFTA Connect.