Amr Saad, 46, began his career as an actor in films such as Youssef Chahine's The Other (1999) and Yousry Nasrallah's El Medina (The City, 1999).
His breakthrough came in Heen Maysara (2007) by Khaled Youssef, where he portrayed life in Cairo’s underprivileged areas.
Saad is known for his ability to portray complex, heroic characters who fight for the downtrodden.
More memorable roles came in Khaled Youssef's Dokkan Shehata (2009), Mohamed El Sobky's Hadid (2014), and Ahmed Magdy's Mawlana (2016).
He also starred in numerous popular Ramadan TV series, such as Mamlaket El Jabal (2011-2014), Wad' Amny (2017), Baraka (2019), and Touba (2022).
In the discussion moderated by Rami Abdel-Razek, the actor reflected on cinema's impact on life, people, and his career.
Determination and willpower
Saad said: "I believe that determination and willpower are what best define my career."
"These two values helped him face challenges and succeed despite ups and downs," he noted.
"I am satisfied with all my projects. These works are the ones that made me who I am today," he stated.
"I made mistakes along the way but turned them into valuable lessons."
"Anyone who has succeeded, whether famous people, athletes, or others, has likely lived through difficult times. Hardships contribute to success. It’s not about focusing on the tribulations, but rather on what you learn from it."
The actor also expressed his disappointment in the comments he sees “belittling” his work.
“There is no such thing as a 'trivial' artistic work,” he said.
"Every work represents the effort of its creators. Art, no matter the size or scale, deserves respect,” he said.
Cinema as soft power
Saad also discussed the role of Egyptian cinema in representing and promoting the country's culture on the world stage.
"Egyptian films reflect our culture to the world and introduce people to our traditions and way of life," he explained.
The actor believes that art can shape perceptions and build understanding between cultures, and cinema plays a crucial role in this process.
Egyptian films work as "cultural ambassadors" that allow people worldwide to appreciate the country's rich heritage.
Saad also noted the potential of cinema to influence Egypt's economy by promoting tourism.
"Art can help revive many aspects of our country. Foreign nationals respect Egyptians, and cinema plays a significant role in fostering that respect."
"Cinema is not just about entertainment; it's a powerful tool that introduces Egypt to the world.”
"Art, in general, can bring life to many things. It can help bring about changes in a country beyond entertaining," he stated.
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