The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) stands out each year as an essential event for moviegoers and professionals from around the world. During its 4ᵉᵍ edition, one of the highlights was the presence of Egyptian director and screenwriter Mohamed Sami. Recognized for having revolutionized the landscape of Egyptian television series and contributing to modernize their production, Sami captivated the public during an in -depth discussion on its journey, its artistic vision and its role in the evolution of audiovisual narrative formats.
A director with multiple talents
Mohamed Sami is one of the most influential directors and writers of his generation in the Arab world. Born in Cairo, he began his career in the fields of videoclips, collaborating with renowned artists like Haifa Wehbe, Sherine and Tamer Hosny. Its breakthrough in television series was made in 2011 with Adama successful soap opera that marked a turning point in the way of producing and making series in Egypt.
Sami is also known for other emblematic works such as Ma’a Sabq al Israr (2012), Hekayet Hayah(2013), and Al Ostoura (2016), who captivated millions of spectators thanks to their powerful narration and their cinematographic aesthetics. On the cinema side, he made films like Regatta (2015), Ahwak (2015) and Tisbah Ala Khair (2017), thus strengthening its status as a versatile creator.
A revolution in television series
When Mohamed Sami agrees to achieve Adamhe was then considered a simple videographer. However, his counter-current approach has radically changed the way of designing television series in Egypt. Inspired by international productions such as prison Breakit offers a film method influenced by cinema, using modern cameras to capture rich and dynamic plans. Although this idea initially aroused reluctance, its audacity was rewarded with massive success, upsetting the established codes.
“” When I was offered to realize Adamwe still turned the soap operas in a very old way. I proposed to the producer a different approach, but he refused. Fortunately, Tamer Hosny supported me and even funded the cost difference. It was a turning point. »»
With its second soap opera, Ma’a Sabq al Israr, Mohamed Sami already had a more acute awareness of his impact on industry. He then consolidated his approach, balancing narrative tradition and technical modernity. “” It is not the technique that concerns the spectator, but the theme. I have kept the favorite public subjects while modernizing the means of narration. »»
Streaming platforms and the evolution of game rules
With the boom in streaming platforms, the global audiovisual landscape is changing. Mohamed Sami observes these transformations with interest, in particular the emergence of mini-series. According to him, these new forms of narration offer opportunities to explore various themes, but they also impose new constraints.
“” Unlike the Ramadan serials which extend over 30 episodes, the mini-series require a concise and effective narration. They get closer to the cinematographic format, with a neat staging and a constant dramatic tension. However, Sami remains attached to traditional soap operas, which he considers as an integral part of the Ramadanesque culture.
The challenges for Egyptian cinema
Mohamed Sami also highlights the challenges faced by Egyptian cinema. The growing quality of television productions has scrambled the boundaries between small and large screen. He wonders: ” Why go to the movies today, when the series offer similar visual quality for free ? »»
For him, the answer is in the audiovisual dazzling and the greatness of the cinematographic experience. “” What pushes people to go to the cinema is what television cannot offer: spectacular effects, immersive narration, or a unique comedy. In addition, cinema has greater freedom of expression, which makes it even more attractive. »»
The management of actors: a full -fledged art
Among the many talents of Mohamed Sami, his way of directing the actors is distinguished. He pays particular attention to their well-being and interpretation, adapting his approach to each individuality.
“” Each actor is different. Some are naturally gifted but lacks professionalism, while others are accomplished professionals but must be guided. My role is to create an environment where they feel free and confident. »»
Over time, Sami has learned to diversify the talents he works with. He admits that at his beginnings, he tended to rely on the same actors, but he quickly understood that collaborating with new talents could enrich his artistic approach.
The decision to write your own scenarios
Mohamed Sami decided to become a screenwriter to have greater freedom in the creation of his projects. “” When I started, I worked with writers, but some did not want me to touch their texts, which was wasting time and created frustrations. So, I decided to write my scenarios myself to make sure that my ideas would be faithfully translated to the screen. This independence allowed him to fully explore his artistic vision and develop stories that resonate deeply with the public.
A tribute to Wahid Hamed and his precious advice
A significant moment in the discussion was the tribute paid by Sami to the great screenwriter Wahid Hamed, who played a decisive role in his career. During their first meeting, Wahid Hamed invited Sami for a conversation which, according to the director, was as intimidating as they are inspiring. After listening to Sami enthusiastically speaking about his ideas and vision, Wahid Hamed had asked him a simple but essential question: ” How did you see the film ? Sami, trying to impress, had spoken abundantly, multiplying the complex details to demonstrate his understanding. Wahid Hamed then interrupted him with direct but memorable advice: ” Why do you complicate things? Feel the film, because if you feel it, you will do it well and the public will like it. This sentence has deeply marked Sami, showing him the importance of emotional sincerity in creation.
Later, Sami remembered a specific advice from Wahid Hamed concerning a difficult scene: a long dialogue between two characters who was likely to become boring.
“” I called Wahid to ask him how to make this scene captivating”Says Sami. “” He advised me to see her as a match. Each replica was to be a rhythmic exchange, a bullet returned from one side to the other with intensity and precision. This advice transformed his vision of the dialogues and their staging, deeply influencing his style.
“” When my soap operas started to succeed, I saw people watching them in the cafes as if they were following a football match. It was then that I blessed the memory of Wahid Hamed. »»
Mohamed Sami’s promising future
Asked about his favorite work, Mohamed Sami responded with modesty: “All my work has helped to be what I am, so I love them all. Each project has brought something to my life and is an important step in my career. However, if I had to choose one for its success and its impact, it would be Al Ostoura. »»
The discussion ended with an intervention by the Egyptian actress Youssra, who praised the talent of Mohamed Sami. She notably rented her unique camera movements and her ability to enhance the play of actors. “” By listening to you today, I find that you have details that we do not see elsewhere, the movements of your camera is dazzling and Youssef Chahine taught me how important it is. I want to work with you, because you feel that you like the actors and you know how to make them work She said.
Neïla Driss
