The elGouna Film Festival #GFF24 hosted an extraordinary panel discussion featuring the esteemed actress, producer, and media figure Isaad Younis alon
The elGouna Film Festival #GFF24 hosted an extraordinary panel discussion featuring the esteemed actress, producer, and media figure Isaad Younis alongside the legendary actress Youssra. This engaging session provided an in-depth look into Isaad Younis’s remarkable career, showcasing her journey through acting, production, directing, and television presenting. The conversation also highlighted moments of friendship, challenges, and the lessons both women learned throughout their distinguished careers.
Honoring Mentors and Supporters: Isaad Younis expressed her gratitude to those who supported her in her early days. She spoke about the encouragement of journalist Taha Abu Zeid and writer Abdel Wahab Motawea, who motivated her to write and even penned the foreword of her first book. Additionally, she shared a heartfelt tribute to actor Ali El Sherif, recalling his loyalty and unwavering support during a difficult legal situation.
Appreciation for Soheir El Bably: Younis conveyed her deep appreciation for actress Soheir El Bably, who graciously joined her in the series Bakiza and Zaghloul. She noted that the unexpected success of the show was a pleasant surprise that exceeded all expectations.
Success Then and Now: Younis reflected on how the perception of success has evolved. She explained that, in the past, success was measured by public opinion and critical reviews, whereas today, social media plays a significant role. However, she believes that half of the current online praise is genuine, while the other half can be misleading, emphasizing that true audience impact surpasses paid interactions.
Behind the Scenes of The Fall into the Well of Sabaa: Younis shared her experience working on the espionage series, which posed a unique challenge due to the cultural background of the audience. She praised her collaboration with the late comedian Saeed Saleh, who understood the complexity of his role despite initial concerns about its potential negative impact.
When speaking about her collaboration with director Sayed Radi, Younis affectionately described him as “a visionary, always seeking out unique and unconventional scenes,” which fueled her passion for working with him. She also paid tribute to those who supported her early career, mentioning influential figures such as Taha Abu Zeid, Abdel Wahab Taher, Ali El Sherif, a man of integrity, and Soad Hosny, who embraced working with her even in the early stages of her career.
During the conversation, Youssra posed questions about Younis’s foray into writing and why she had not continued, particularly with projects like Noun El Niswa. Younis explained that her shift towards film production took precedence, leading to the creation of over 80 films, all chosen by directors without her interference. Among these were hits like H-Dabbour, The Night of Baghdad’s Fall, and Girls’ Secrets, which continue to captivate audiences.
A Message to Adel Imam: Both Younis and Youssra directed an emotional message to their longtime colleague, Adel Imam, expressing how much they missed him. This heartfelt sentiment was met with resounding applause from the audience, showcasing the deep admiration for the iconic actor.
A Challenging Scene in The Lawyer: Youssra recounted a humorous incident from filming with Adel Imam, while Younis added details about the difficulties of shooting in an abandoned neighborhood in Ismailia, which made the experience both tough and unforgettable.
Challenges in Producing Bakiza and Zaghloul: Younis spoke about the obstacles faced during the production of the series, particularly filming during the peak of summer in July and August. Despite these difficulties, the immediate and enthusiastic response from the audience propelled the show to great success.
Younis’s Support for Youssra: Youssra shared how Isaad Younis stood by her during tough times, especially during her struggles with asthma attacks. Younis’s unwavering support and concern for her well-being underscored their deep and enduring bond.
The session was attended by many notable figures from the arts and media industries and was met with significant engagement from the audience. The stories shared by Younis and Youssra offered a blend of professional and personal anecdotes that resonated deeply, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present.
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Sari Albeder – Elgouna film Festival 2024 #GFF24
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