Laina Barakat is a multifaceted individual with a passion for independent filmmaking. As a writer, director, and producer, she has had a successful career spanning over a decade.
Barakat's journey in the film industry began with Either/Or Films, where she worked in post-production and distribution on the film "The Sensation of Sight". This marked the start of her eight-year tenure with the company, during which she went on to produce the feature film "Only Daughter". The film premiered at the Cinequest Film Festival and received numerous awards across the country, including the Audience Choice Award at the New York No Limits Film Festival and the NH Film of the Year at the New Hampshire Film Festival.
In 2015, Barakat joined Kingston Road Pictures, where she line-produced the documentary film "More Art Upstairs". The film premiered at the Hot Docs festival in 2017 and won the Audience Choice Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
In 2016, Barakat founded Wayward Ark Productions, a company that allows her to take creative control of her projects and empower young filmmakers in the Monadnock Region. She has since written, directed, and produced seven award-winning short films.
Barakat's feature film debut as a director, "Light Attaching to a Girl", premiered at the RiverRun Film Festival and went on to tour festivals on three continents, earning numerous awards along the way. The film is now available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Currently, Barakat is co-directing a feature documentary, "Break a Lash", which explores the world of rural drag. She is also seeking funding for her next two narrative feature films, "Mouth of the Bull" and "Through the Woods Lightly".
In addition to her work in film, Barakat is also a dedicated community leader. She co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Monadnock International Film Festival for its first three years and is currently the New Hampshire Chair of Women in Film & Video New England. She is also a Board of Director for Keene Pride and has received several awards for her contributions to the film industry, including the Ewing Arts Award for Filmmaking and the Trendsetter Award.
Barakat currently resides in Marlborough, New Hampshire, where she balances her film pursuits with her role as the General Manager of the 60-year-old nonprofit, Monadnock Music, and as an adjunct Film Professor at Keene State College.
