During the opening ceremony of the 45ᵉ edition of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), which takes place from November 13 to 22, 2024, the Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz was honored by the prestigious Prix Faten Hamama. This distinction, given to artists having made a notable contribution to the cinema, is a recognition of its career and its impact on industry.
The next day, a conversation was organized to allow the actor to exchange with the public and the press some reflections and anecdotes by his journey. Ahmed Ezz took advantage of this opportunity to share striking anecdotes of his life and his career, revealing sometimes funny, sometimes touching moments, but always imbued with deep humility.
From his first words, Ahmed Ezz expressed his gratitude, especially towards journalists whom he considers as essential allies of his success. “” I will never forget that everything I have accomplished is also thanks to them. They supported and encouraged me. I will be grateful to them all my life. This feeling of gratitude crosses all his discourse, as well as his constant desire to evolve and leave a lasting imprint. “” I want to continue working, again and again. My dream is one day being able to watch my films with pride and know that I have brought something to the cinema, that I will be cited as an example. »»
Returning to his first steps in the artistic world, Ahmed Ezz told with a smile an anecdote of his childhood. “” My very first role was at the age of five. My brother had a role in a play at school, and I absolutely wanted to participate too. Finally, the director gave me a role in shouting ‘ahhh’ and die. But since my voice was not wearing enough, he doubled my cry, and I just made the dead on stage. The problem is that I had to stay on motionless stage for a long time, but as I was breathing too obviously, that made the public laugh. The scene that was to be dramatic had become comical.“”
Much later, Ahmed Ezz continued his cinema dream by taking a path that was not all traced. He started as a model and in advertisements, hoping to be spotted. “” I knew that my physique could give me some visibility, but I wanted it to go beyond. I didn’t want to be just a beautiful face. This is why I worked tirelessly on my acting, by following theater lessons and accepting small roles. I wanted to prove that I had something else to offer.“”
“” Young, when I saw cinema posters, I was planning it, but I didn’t know how to get there. I ended up taking theater lessons and accepting small roles. One day, I begged the director gamel Abdel Hamid to give me a chance. He accepted and offered me a small role in the series Zeezinya (1997/2000). I will never forget this opportunity he gave me. »»
His commitment to cinema was not without sacrifices. At the time, Ahmed worked in tourism, a stable career that reassured his family. But he found himself faced with a decisive choice: to continue on this path or to try his luck in the cinema. “” When I decided to leave tourism, my father left the lunch table, furious. This choice was difficult, but I knew deep down that it was what I had to do. I accepted a role In a teenage newspaper (2001) with Hend Sabry, and it was the beginning of everything. »»
He remembers the impact of this film: ” When it came out, there was a huge controversy. Some accused the film of being on an immoral limit. My parents, who read the newspapers every morning, wanted me even more to have left my job for such a job. They had also refused to see the film when it was released. They did not see him until years later when he went on television. »»
After this film, Ahmed went through a period of vacuum, without any role proposal for more than a year. This moment could have been discouraging, but he kept hope. “” One day, director Ali Abdelkhalek called me. He asked me to shave and be in Alexandria the next day at 10 a.m. This role was not planned for me. The main actor had arrived late, and Abdelkhalek, known for his punctuality, did not hesitate to replace him. It was he who taught me the importance of discipline and commitment. Besides, arriving that day, my car was just behind that of the director. But on the set, he told me that his car must have been the last to arrive at the scene. No one had to enter after him ! »»
The actor also evokes his first big role on television in Malek Rouhi (2003) facing the Grande Yousra. Again, he had to replace another actor only three days before filming. “” This soap opera has completely changed my life. I had the main male role against Yousra! After its broadcast, I went to Beirut with only $ 200 in my pocket, saved for this trip. When I arrived, I was welcomed like a star, even at the airport. People recognized me everywhere. It was incredible. »»
Success continued with films like Mallaki Iskandariya (2005) and Masgoon Transit (2008). “” I remember the day I signed a contract for three films. I was given a check, and I kept it in my pocket for several days, unable to believe it was real. It was for me the symbol of everything I had accomplished so far.“”
When Mallaki Iskandariya Released, Ahmed got into the habit of going discreetly in theaters to see if the public responded present. “” In the beautiful districts, the rooms were full, but in the working -class neighborhoods, they were often empty. I didn’t understand why. I was then advised to play characters closer to the popular public, and it worked. I was finally able to conquer this audience too. »»
Ahmed also remembers that his physique was sometimes a brake in his beginnings. “” I was told that I was too smooth, too white, that the spectators would not identify with me. But over time, I learned to choose roles that break this image. I worked hard to be taken seriously, to look at my talent and not only my appearance. »»
Ahmed also recounts a significant experience in filmingEl-rahinah (2006) in Ukraine, where he filmed in extreme conditions, especially in a nuclear reactor. “” Once, I wanted to do a waterfall myself, but I almost seriously injured myself. I understood that day that this kind of scenes had to be left to professionals. Each job has its responsibilities, and taking unnecessary risks can compromise a whole film. »»
During another shoot, he injured himself in the face. “” The director saw the blood run and decided to film right away, without makeup or special effects. After capturing the scene, he told me to go to be treated. This kind of experience reminds you that cinema requires total commitment, sometimes beyond what we imagine. »»
For Ahmed Ezz, cinema is a mission. “” I want people to remember me for my work, not for something else. Humility is essential. Being a star means nothing if you lose your humanity. »»
He concluded by paying tribute to legends like Adel Imam and Nour El-Sherif. “Adel Imam advised me to always choose quality scenarios and fully commit myself. This advice still accompanies me today. »»
The conversation with Ahmed Ezz revealed a passionate, disciplined and deeply grateful artist for each opportunity. A man who, despite his success, has never forgotten his beginnings or the lessons that have guided him so far.
Neïla Driss
