The seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival was graced by an extraordinary dialogue session featuring acclaimed artists Esaad Younes and Youssra. Together, they took the audience through vivid memories of iconic productions, recalled the support and wisdom from mentors, and reflected on the evolution of fame.
In a heartfelt conversation that celebrated resilience, friendship, and artistic integrity, Esaad and Youssra discussed some of the most impactful moments of their careers, capturing the room with their unique anecdotes and honest reflections.
Homage to Adel Emam
In a touching opening moment, Esaad Younes shared a personal message for the beloved Adel Emam, conveying deep admiration and wishing him a joyful and peaceful life. She highlighted how El Za3eem remains a cherished figure in the hearts of audiences, his legacy unwavering despite his recent time away from the spotlight.
Success Then and Now
One of the discussion's key themes was Esaad's perspective on the changing definition of artistic success. Reflecting on the past, she noted how the public's in-person reactions and critical acclaim once served as the benchmark of success. In today's world, however, metrics like social media interactions and view counts often dictate the reach of a project.
While these numbers are significant, she believes they only partially represent a project's real impact, viewing social media's validation as faux success. To her, genuine success transcends digital metrics, relying instead on lasting influence and heartfelt connection with the audience.
Bakiza w Zaghloul
She also dived into her breakthrough production, the hit show Bakiza w Zaghloul, in which she starred alongside Sohair El-Babli. She warmly recounted the latter's gracious acceptance of her offer to join the project, attributing much of the show's surprise success to her seasoned co-star.
Esaad described the joy and unexpected popularity of the series, which marked one of her first production ventures with her husband. Her gratitude was palpable as she acknowledged its success as a milestone in her career.
El Avocato's Shenanigans
A memorable segment of the discussion took the audience behind the scenes of El Avocato, a classic film that brought both Esaad and Youssra together alongside Adel Emam. Esaad highlighted the unique challenges of filming in a nearly deserted neighbourhood in Ismailia, where the cast and crew faced modest accommodations and close quarters that strengthened their bond. A more serious memory arose as she recalled a legal controversy nearly leading to her arrest due to an interpretation of one of the scenes. Fortunately, the issue was eventually resolved.
Honouring Mentors
During the session, Esaad paid tribute to key figures who played essential roles in her career. She spoke of the encouragement she received from media figure Taher Abu Zeid and writer Abdel Wahab Motawea, who introduced her to the world of literature and helped publish her first book.
She also expressed deep appreciation for actor Ali El-Sharif, whose loyalty and support during a challenging legal period reinforced her determination and sense of gratitude toward those who aided her growth.
A Tale of Friendship
The dialogue wasn't solely about career achievements; it was also an intimate look into the personal friendship between Esaad and Youssra. Youssra expressed her appreciation for Esaad's steadfast support, particularly during difficult times when she faced health challenges. The latter's care and empathy became a source of strength for Youssra, who acknowledged her friend's constant concern for her well-being during bouts of asthma and other struggles.
Audience Impact
As the session wrapped up, they both took a moment to reflect on how they hoped to inspire a new generation of artists and audiences alike. The session's emotional and insightful tone, amplified by the shared experiences of two icons, left a resonant impact on the audience, many of whom found themselves transported into the golden moments of cinema. As they concluded their talk, it was clear that they had gifted the audience not only stories of their past but also reminders of the power of genuine artistry.
