The 45th edition of the Cairo International Festival (CIFF), held from November 13 to 22, 2024, was marked by numerous events, including a discussion with the Egyptian actor Amr Saad who attracted a large audience. Known for its varied roles, AMR SAAD is often described as an actor representative of its generation, reflecting various realities with authenticity.
During the conversation hosted by the cinematographic critic Rami Abdel Razeq, Amr Saad expressed his joy at participating in the festival, evoking the love of his parents for the cinema and the education he received, rocked by this passion since his childhood.
A recognized actor
Amr Saad, with his natural style and proximity to the man on the street, has marked the spirits. Since then, he distinguished himself in important roles such as in Hena Maysara (2007) and Mawlena (2016). His career illustrates a trajectory built on sincere determination and artistic choices.
Amr Saad said he had always watched, from the start of his career, to embody roles that no one could play. He rejected the idea that another actor could be envisaged for a role that had been proposed to him, believing that his style and performance were unique. He said: ” Without an exaggeration, I can say that none of the roles that I have interpreted until today could be played by someone else. Furthermore, I recognize that other actors, whether beginners or experienced, excellent in their roles, to the point that I often find myself applauding them during a projection. »»
A dream and a decision
Asked about what led him to the acting profession, Saad delivered a striking reflection: ” Egypt is a country where many aspire to become actors. For what ? Because our society is ruthless, the opportunities are rare, and few people manage to fulfill their dreams.“”
He grew up in a modest family where, despite the limited means, his parents always found a way to take them to the cinema. “” We were talking about a lot of cinema at home, “He said. This family passion has nourished his dream of influencing others. Before becoming an actor, he explored several ways such as writing, poetry and even song. “” I wanted people to hear my ideas, even if they were not always correct. »»
His career was not without pitfalls. Failed from the Cinema Institute, Amr Saad did not give up. “” I was so confident that I went directly to attend the lessons before realizing that I had not been accepted. But I said: They are the losers, not me ! »»
He continued on his way with unshakable determination. He spoke of his youth dreams, including seeing his portrait posted in front of a large cinema. “” Every time I passed in front of Cairo cinema, I imagined my face on a giant poster, “He said. This dream materialized when his first poster was finally exposed to this emblematic location. He explained that his success in cinema was based mainly on his determination and his desire to succeed.
He admitted that his career had been difficult and trying, but he chose to share his story to inspire others.
Learn to look and enjoy
An experience in Germany deeply marked it. During an exhibition of paintings, he was struck by the ability of people to appreciate art. “” In Egypt, we do not know how to take advantage of these simple moments, He observed. This experience prompted him to review his way of apprehending cinema, focusing on the details and subtleties of acting.
A key moment in his learning was when a friend showed him the film The bus driver (1982). “” Look at Nour Cherif, see how the director uses details to create an atmosphere”Said his friend to him. This revelation pushed him to analyze the films differently, studying both Egyptian and foreranged cinema.
A quest for perfection
Amr Saad expressed his desire to only play unique roles, refusing those he considered that they could not bring to their full measure. This requirement pushed him to train, to learn from great artists like Naguib Mahfouz and emblematic directors. He told his exchanges with these major figures, recognizing their influence on his career.
He also worked as a technician and decorator architect, an experience he describes as a trainer: ” I saw the two aspects, that of the worker and that of the architect. This allowed me to develop a unique perspective, such as a lens that helped me become an actor.“”
Amr Saad talked about his participation as a guest in the film El Sittdirected by Marwan Hamed, whom he described as an international caliber filmmaker. Although he has never accepted this type of role before, he was honored to collaborate with Hamed. In addition, he was surprised when the latter offered to play Gamal Abdel Nasser, a difficult role that he accepted with enthusiasm.
By explaining his recent absence of the screens, Amr Saad said he was taking care to choose his roles carefully, seeking to present powerful works requiring great preparation. He mentioned his latest film, Al-Ghorban (The crows), which required four years of filming with a budget of almost half a billion Egyptian books. This film, taking place during the Second World War, explores an intense conflict in the Western desert on the eve of the Battle of El-Alamein. The project brings together a host of actors, including May Omar, Majed El Masry, Mohamed Alaa, and Asmaa Abou El-Yazid. Amr Saad congratulated the director Yassine Hassan, for whom it was the first feature film, and producer Saif Aribi for the resources made available.
A vision for the future of Egyptian cinema
Amr Saad also shared his vision for Egyptian cinema, insisting on the need to invest in quality and encourage local and international productions. “” Cinema is a gold mine, better than oil well, “He said, stressing the importance of collaboration between the State and the creators to strengthen industry.
In addition, he called on officials to facilitate and reduce the costs of filming in the streets, places and various places in Egypt, stressing that the exaggerated prices required to film in certain places were unjustified. He insisted: ” We have a treasure in Egypt called the film industry, which generates billions. We must take care of it and support those who contribute to it. »»
He pleaded for the public to avoid judging films on moral criteria, explaining that the works are subject to censorship before their release. He invited spectators to accept them as they are or to choose not to look at them, but without emitting moral judgments. He also rejected the idea of qualifying an “insignificant” work, stressing the considerable efforts made by the artists to entertain the public.
A model of perseverance
The conversation with Amr Saad at CIFF 2024 was much more than just discussion on cinema. She revealed a passionate man, convinced of the strength of art to transform lives and inspire others to believe in themselves.
Amr Saad delivered a testimony rich in lessons and inspiration, recalling that success arises above all from perseverance and faith in itself. Finally, he apologized to the media, explaining that his shyness had pushed him to avoid interviews, which had given the impression that he was arrogant. However, he realized that he had to be more accessible to better share his experiences and ideas with the public.
Neïla Driss
