Ahmed Ezz conquers Egyptian cinema

Blessed with a handsome face, armed with acting talent and filled with ambition, Ahmed Ezz is a rising star in Egyptian cinema.

Although Egyptian cinema is not well known in this country, it enjoys a rich history, which started in 1896. With more than 2,500 films credited to the still-thriving industry, it is no wonder that Ezz is one of the many rising actors who enter this field.

The leo, who was born on the same date as the Egyptian revolution (July 23), made his first appearance in 1998 playing a small role in the movie Kalam El Lail (Night Whispers) by Inas El-Deghidy (one of the first female Arab directors).

"I have always loved acting; this feeling grew with me since childhood," said Ezz. "I remember when I used to watch a film I liked -- I felt I wanted to play the role."

The middle child in his family, he grew up in the Maadi District in Cairo and earned a bachelor's degree in English from Cairo University. Ezz embarked on several journeys before devoting himself to being an actor. While working in tourism, he dabbled in modeling in hopes of catching the attention of directors.

"I was wrong," he admitted. "At that time, cinema production was struggling and people who were already in the field were having a hard time finding parts."

After his appearance in Kalam El Lail, he realized another important thing.

"Talent is not enough. It must be supplemented by experience," he said. Ezz candidly acknowledged that he was not up to the small role because he was used to dealing with the camera as a model. Hence, he made the decision to join Actor's Studio, a one-year program designed and maintained by working professionals in the field to teach the basics of acting and filmmaking.

Soon he was offered a role in Al Sharaf (Honor), which won an award from the Alexandria Film Festival. But it was not until he was offered the lead in Mozakarat Moraheqa (Memoirs of a Teenager), another El-Deghidy movie, that he rose to stardom.

The movie depicted the life of a teenage girl and her boyfriend and the consequences they faced when living outside the Egyptian culture norm.

"I owe this great director a lot; she gambled to present me as a star," Ezz said.

As a celebrity, Ezz is aware of the problems that prevent Egyptian cinema from becoming internationally known.

"Production is a problem," said Ezz. "There is an economic problem right now. Movies that are good are costly and are a big gamble. People just want to make money and are using the field to do so. If someone spends a pound (Egyptian currency) ,he wants to gain five back."

"In Hollywood, around 500 movies are made a year -- maybe 50 of them are good. In Egypt, we only have 30 movies a year and therefore only a handful are good." The lack of good scripts is another problem Ezz sees.

"We have great talent but we need good subjects to work with away from the cliched drugs-and-sex movies," he said.

Another key element is organization.

"Ahmed Zaki (one of the biggest names in Arab cinema) has talent that rivals Al Pacino's and Robert De Niro's," Ezz stated. "But there is no star system in Egypt. Everyone does their own work with no help."

Nevertheless, Ezz is optimistic that things will get better.

"I believe the Egyptian cinema will retain its excellence, as my generation are not seeking the making of money, but the quality of films," he said.

Ezz is currently concentrating on developing his skills and place as an Egyptian actor. With hopes of working in TV and international cinema, Ezz also plans to take directing courses in the United States.

In the meantime, he is shooting Yom Karama (A Day of Honor). The Egyptian government will produce the film, which centers on the October War of 1973.

"Most of [Egyptian youths] have a vision. We want peace and justice," he said when asked to describe his generation. Ezz represents a side of the Middle East that one rarely sees: a talented intellectual who does not fit the cliched mold of mainstream-media images.