'I hope my films will live on': Ahmed Ezz reflects on his career at 45th Cairo Int’l Film Festival

Ayat Al-Amin, Friday 15 Nov 2024

During his discussion at the ongoing 45th Cairo International Film Festival, Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz spoke about his career, his influences, and the challenges of being a prominent figure in the Egyptian film industry.

Ahmed Ezz

 

The session, moderated by Rami El-Metwally, took place on 14 November. It marked one of the first dynamic discussions with prominent cinema figures attending the festival.

Ezz began by discussing the profound influence of legendary actor Adel Emam, calling him an inspiration for any actor. He praised Emam's ability to strike a balance between creating high-quality films and achieving commercial success. Ezz shared that Emam had advised him to remain committed to his craft and continually seek out robust scripts.

"Adel Emam is a role model, and his advice has shaped my approach to acting," Ezz said.

Ezz also credited his role in Malaki Iskandareya (Private Alexandria, 2005), which shot him into stardom.

"This film was my bridge to fame," he said, citing actor Mohamed Henedy's words that the film helped him transition into a star.

He also acknowledged the invaluable support he received from figures in the industry, particularly renowned actress Samira Mohsen, who pushed him to attend lectures at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, and Mohamed Eid, who offered him acting workshops.

"These experiences were instrumental in shaping my career," Ezz noted.

He then spoke fondly of his experiences with other film icons, mentioning how actor Nour El-Sherif insisted that his name appears second on the credits of the film Masgoun Tranzait (2008), a gesture that Ezz greatly appreciated. Ezz recalled filming Masgoun Tranzait in Faiyum, where El-Sherif would wake up early to follow the news, showing his dedication and discipline.


Ahmed Ezz went on to reveal the behind-the-scenes story of his role in Welad Rizk (2016), noting that "I decided to join Welad Rizk after speaking to someone in the neighbourhood and learning to speak in a way that was authentic to the area we were portraying."
When asked about the impact of fame on his personal life, Ezz shared a deeply emotional moment, recalling how the death of his mother during the filming of Masgoun Tranzait affected him.


"Fame takes a toll on your emotional and mental health," he admitted. "Filming a sad scene right after losing my mother was extremely difficult and emotionally draining. In psychology, this emotional exertion can harm one’s well-being," he added.


Ezz also discussed his role in El-Rahinah (The Hostage, 2006), revealing that the film was meant to resemble a European-style thriller. They decided to shoot in Ukraine but encountered significant language barriers. He mentioned filming in an actual nuclear reactor area. He emphasized the importance of safety when performing action scenes, advising actors to perform well-rehearsed stunts without unnecessary risk.


"Making El-Rahinah was a big challenge, and I recommend that young actors take calculated risks but always prioritize their safety," he said.


Ezz expressed his hope that the audience would remember his films for years.


"I hope my films will live on, like the classics of our greats and the films of the Golden Age," he said.


Ezz closed his session by thanking the journalists who have supported him throughout his career, saying: "You are the reason I am where I am today. Your support from the very beginning has made all the difference."

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