Happiness and Love

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A New York Times Modern Love essay comes to life to celebrate the power of closeness

In "Happiness and Love", we turned college student Layla Faraj's award-winning New York Times essay into a short film she co-wrote, showcasing how WhatsApp helps her Syrian family stay close across the distances war has created.

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The Group Chats That Keep Families Together Across a War Zone

For many people across the globe, WhatsApp isn't just a convenient form of communication, it's necessary for emotional survival. Countless families who are separated by conflict use their dedicated group chats as safe spaces where they can connect and share in each other’s daily lives.

By elevating Layla’s story, we created a film that celebrates the love they share despite the distance between them.

Close up of two people holding hands across a table with a beige cloth, surrounded by a vase, fruit bowl, remote, and tea glass.

Young woman in a yellow sweater sits on a bed, using a cell phone. Room has colorful wall art and a vintage record player.

A Film That Reveals How Everyday Messages Become Lifelines

The film shows how Layla's family transformed their WhatsApp group chat (actually named "Happiness and Love") into a digital sanctuary where they gather daily. Through sharing both significant moments and everyday details, they created continuity and emotional closeness that physical distance couldn't disrupt.

The film ran during Ramadan, when the MENA community comes together nightly. To premiere it, Layla and culinary creator Zaynab Issa co-hosted an intimate dinner with female MENA community members, creating a gathering that mirrored how her family would connect over meals.

Close up of two people sitting at a table with a white cloth, holding drinks. A bowl of apples, a vase, and coasters are on the table. Warm lighting.

An old family photo of a group of five people, including three women and two young kids, stand together outdoors near green foliage.

An old family photo of a group of seven people, including children and adults, stand smiling in front of a stone wall with greenery. Casual attire.

Woman in red sweater studies at a desk with an open book, phone, and lamp. Her reflection is visible in a mirror.

Poster of a woman in casual attire leaning on staircase railing, wearing a beige vest and green pants. Text reads "A Story Story on WhatsApp" and her name "Layla Faraj".

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