After receiving the prestigious Creative Achievement Award at the opening ceremony of the Gouna Film Festival on Thursday, actor Mahmoud Hemida partic
After receiving the prestigious Creative Achievement Award at the opening ceremony of the Gouna Film Festival on Thursday, actor Mahmoud Hemida participated in the festival’s first panel discussion. Moderated by actress Mariam El-Khosht, the session was attended by numerous stars and offered an insightful reflection on Hemida’s remarkable career, from his early days to some of his most iconic works.
Hemida took the audience behind the scenes of his famous 1999 film The Devils’ Paradise, revealing how he went to extreme lengths for authenticity, even removing his teeth to accurately portray a deceased character. He also recounted the challenges he faced during the production of Knight of the City, his first leading role, where he likened himself to a “traveling laborer” due to the difficult filming conditions.
Addressing the art of method acting, Hemida explained that embodying characters can sometimes become overwhelming, comparing it to a form of schizophrenia. He shared an anecdote about a famous foreign actor who became so engrossed in playing Tarzan that he continued dressing as the character in his daily life, even at the age of 90.
When a young director asked Hemida for advice on how to break into the industry, Hemida offered a thought-provoking solution: “I believe every professional in the field should submit their insights on how they view the industry. These ideas should be compiled into a law that governs the industry, making institutions like the Cinema Institute as structured as engineering schools.”
Hemida also shed light on his experiences working with the legendary director Youssef Chahine. He dispelled the notion that Chahine was difficult to work with, praising his meticulous organizational skills, which made the filmmaking process smoother and less stressful. “Chahine’s clear vision and well-defined responsibilities for each crew member allowed the team to work efficiently, avoiding unnecessary complications,” Hemida said.
Reflecting on his recent recognition at the Gouna Festival, Hemida admitted that it took him many years to understand the true meaning of awards and gifts. “When I was younger, the thought of receiving an award made me want to hide. But last night at the Gouna Festival, I finally saw how people perceive me,” he said.
During the session, Hemida stirred conversation by describing acting as a “form of entertainment,” sparking a wider discussion about the nature of art and its role in society. He argued that acting, much like other forms of entertainment, is meant to provide joy and escape for the audience. “People watch films and series to enjoy themselves, and actors play a crucial role in delivering that experience,” he explained. Hemida also emphasized the importance of accepting criticism, noting that artists who reject feedback may have deeper issues to address. He referenced the historical evolution of art, saying, “In the past, art was linked to worship, but over time, it broke away from religious constraints.”
When asked about the controversy surrounding the potential banning of his film The Atheist, Hemida offered a surprising response. “I have no issue when one of my films is banned,” he said. “Once I finish a project, I leave it behind and trust the character I brought to life. I don’t concern myself with the box office performance or whether the film gets released.”
The panel attracted a large audience, including fellow actors and industry friends such as Hussein Fahmy, Lobloba, Ashraf Zaki, Mohamed Al-Adl, Inas El-Degheidy, Bushra, Ashraf, Rania Youssef, Bousy Shalaby, and others, who came to support Hemida and engage in the conversation.
Sari Albeder – El Gouna Film Festival 2024
#theworldscreen #Film #Cinema #Actor #CreativeAchievement #GounaFilmFestival #EntertainmentIndustry #EgyptianCinema #ArtAndCulture #ActorLife #FilmPanel #CinematicJourney #TheWorldOfMovies
COMMENTS