Marwan Mosallem is a young talented Doctor, who decided to change his career and become a professional actor. At first I was surprised; even though in the field of acting there are countless doctors and lawyers etc, who went through the same path… I sat with him to listen to his story, dreams and aspirations… read on ….
Marwan Mosallem…
I have been interested in acting since I was in school; back then I participated in various school plays through the drama club such as King Lear, Macbeth - i.e. Shakespearean plays. I think acting in theatre is extremely difficult but truly satisfying - because it is challenging.
The decision:
After high school, I entered the Faculty of Medicine, Ein Shams University. So I am a doctor. However during the course of the 7 years in medicine, I had decided that I would love to pursue an acting career, which was not approved by my family. After I graduated from my university, I joined the ‘Shooting Club’ Theatre group, the performances were attended by many journalists and critics and I was very happy to receive many positive comments and encouragements.
Director Amr Abdeen saw my performance and decided to include me in one of his TV series. I was ready for more work and many debuts but I had to go to military service. When I finished, I was starting from scratch - I had to re-establish my connections once again, given that many new faces had been released by the time I returned and the difficulty of getting the Syndicate’s permission so things were not going too smoothly.
Getting into acting:
I received lessons with Dr. Mohamed Abd El Hady on how to face the camera for 8 months; it was exceptionally beneficial for me since I had problems with facing the camera. I was convinced during my studying that if any one who does not have talent took the same training course, it won't benefit them a lot, simply because it needs TALENT. I am certain that any actor ought to have an objective that s/he desires to achieve. I had thought of singing a song for Lebanon during its recent war in 2007, but it did not materialize.
Films:
I acted in Naema Bay starring Ghada Adel; it was a small role of a Police man. Afterwards there was a movie called MAGIC, with the
same team of "Awkat Faragh". Again, I was a Police officer - I received many positive comments for this role and it was said that my part was the Master scene of the movie. I acted in another film with Samo Zaen called "Shakawa" which is yet to be released - I am “ironically” playing the character of a Doctor.
El Rayes Omar Harb;
I also participated in “El Rayes Omar Harab”, which was directed by Khalid Youssef. I was recommended for this role after someone had seen the movie ‘Magic’. I was playing the role of a religious Christian, who wanted to become a priest but ended up in the Casino. Unfortunately my role was cut during the editing in addition to several other roles which were cancelled. I was very happy by this role and Khalid Youssef was happy with my performance, nevertheless I have learnt plenty in the course of this experience, particularly working with a director such as Khaled Youssef. But I can not deny that I was disappointed. One of my wishes was to work with Youssef Shaheen, but unfortunately I did not have this opportunity.
Recent roles:
My most recent role was in ‘Azmet Sharaf’, I was playing the role of Mosaad, who was helping Ahmed Fahmy to find his wife. I just finished shooting a movie called "Two girls from Egypt" Benteen Min Masr, directed by Mohamed Amin and starring Zeina. I also did 2 episodes from a sitcom called "Harmet Ya Baba” which will possibly be broadcasted during Ramadan.
Medicine:
I haven't entirely abandoned my profession. I am presently in the stage of my residency and I am supposed to prepare for my masters in pathology. I wanted to specialize as a Pediatrician; however I decided that Pathology would give me additional time to focus on my dream as an actor. I am trying to satisfy my parents and my dreams - eager to find a middle ground.
Role models:
Mohsen Mohi El Deen; in his extraordinary role in the movie "AlYoum El Sades", directed by Youssef Shaheen. And of course the legendary Ahmed Zaki, whose roles are countless and his ability to act is incredible.
Dreams and Aspirations:
Of course I am very young to choose my role according to my objective in life, I am currently starting to become well-known; however I am not going to do anything I am not certain about. In future I hope that I will have the opportunity to make good quality work that provides valuable messages for the general public. I have a certain philosophy in life even if it is through comedy.
