After being honored at the Cairo Film Festival, Khaled El Nabawy said: “I feel a greater responsibility.”

Khaled El Nabawy Honored at the Cairo Film Festival

After being honored at the Cairo Film Festival, Khaled El Nabawy said: “I feel a greater responsibility.”

Khaled El Nabawy remains one of the figures who have made a special mark on the Arab cinematic consciousness, not only because of his distinctive artistic signature, but also because of his unwavering commitment to combining human sensitivity with a conscious choice of roles. 

Since his beginnings in the mid-1990s, his career has been shaped by milestones that have forged him into an actor who treats the screen as a platform for expression and action, not merely a space for appearances. He has worked with renowned directors, from Youssef Chahine to international cinematic experiences, maintaining his independent style despite the diversity of artistic trends.

For years, El Nabawy has remained an actor who approaches each role as a profound human experience, crafting his own world and delving into the inner depths of his characters without fanfare. Throughout his work in film, television, and theater, he has retained a unique acting style and a cultural stance inseparable from his choices.

 Therefore, his honoring this year at the Cairo Film Festival seemed a natural occurrence, coming within the context of a long, impactful, and far-reaching career. Al-Nabawi spoke about being honored and about his artistic experience during his artistic career.

A Greater Responsibility After the Honor                                                                                         

Actor Khaled El Nabawy said he felt deeply grateful for being honored at the Cairo International Film Festival. He described the moment as a tribute from an artist to their audience after a long journey, adding that the honor carries a greater responsibility than some might expect, as it constantly reminds the artist of the weight of their past contributions and what they must offer in the future.

El Nabawy explained that his family has been his true support throughout his artistic career, and that an artist cannot continue their path without genuine human support to alleviate the harshness and vicissitudes of the profession. He noted that the human tragedies the world is witnessing today, especially what is happening in Palestine, are always present in his consciousness and in his vision of art.

A Solid Foundation Laid by the Pioneers

El Nabawy added that his vision of cinema has not changed since his beginnings, and that he still considers it a space for knowledge, dialogue, and influence. He pointed out that the generation of Faten Hamama and other pioneers laid a solid foundation for an art that remains capable of renewal as long as it remains true to itself and its audience.

He also explained that returning to the festival to screen some of his artistic milestones, such as the films "The Immigrant" and "The Citizen," represents an opportunity for him to see his journey from an outsider's perspective. 

He believes that each stage has its own distinct impact, and each experience is an additional step on the artist's long road. El Nabawy pointed out that the honor should not be seen as an end, but rather a new beginning that calls for even greater effort. He emphasized that he still feels he has much to say, and that for him, art is not a profession, but a complete life lived time and again.

Feelings and Experiences

Regarding his relationship with the star Hussein Fahmy, El Nabawy affirmed that he considers him a mentor and a friend, and that the most important thing he learned from him was behind the scenes, not in front of the camera; those subtle details that shape an actor and mold him professionally and personally. 

El Nabawy stressed that a true actor does not rely solely on being present in front of the camera, but on his ability to separate himself from the character he portrays, and on possessing the inner tools of emotions and experiences that he can transform into a vivid performance. He explained that he never imagined acting would be his path.