Hala Sedki to Arab Today: I will never leave Egypt

Egyptian actress Hala Sedki revealed during an exclusive interview with Arab Today that she just can’t stay away from comedy roles. We sat down with the actress to find dout more and discuss past projects, future projects and personal politics. What’s your favourite TV show? Sedki: I like to watch Adel Hamouda, because he always has something new to say. Besides him, Emad Adib, Yosri Fouda, and Lamis El Hadidi. Why did you agree to do a second season of the comedy programme Gouz Mama (My Stepfather)?   Sedki: First of all this series has a special place in my heart. I was very excited in the first season, because I love comedy. I hope the second season is as big as a success as the first one. What about Nawam Wa Bass, did it have as much of an impact on you? Sedki: This was a very special and personal experience for me. I met by a lot of different people, we would all sit together and talk about social issues. I gained personal experience rather than profession experience. The programme gave me the opportunity to be myself in front of the public without playing a character. What’s the difference between being an actress, and being a television presenter? Sedki: There’s a big difference between acting and presenting. With acting, you’re playing a certain role, it’s not you. When presenting, you’re being yourself all the time. Do you think we (in the Arab world) need more social discussion TV shows? Sedki: Yes of course, because we need to highlight the real problems of Arab families. Would you agree to a second season of Nawam Wa Bass? Sedki: No, I would never do it again. From my point of view, four presenters is too much for a 50 minute episode of the programme. Does that mean you’ll never accept another presenting role? Sedki: No, I didn’t mean that. But I will be very selective, I want to find a programme that will be useful for women and relates to women issues in our society. What’s your stance on the current events happening in Egypt? Sedki: I think Egypt should be a civil state, like it was before. I should be ruled by the armed forces until the end of this crisis. Are you with or against the new restrictions that have been discussed and approved by the Egyptian Shura Council, regarding media censorship? Sedki: I’m completely against them. The media is the voice of society, what do they want to hide when they censor it? Are you worried about the Egyptian arts with the current conditions? Sedki: The arts, like all other industries in Egypt, have been affected by the current conditions of the country. Hopefully we will get over this situation soon. Are you worried about Christians in Egypt, where even Muslims feel unsafe? Sedki: I would like to tell you something, the current events in Egypt displayed the good relations between Muslims and Christians. We all suffer from the same problems, but I feel really sad when Egyptians (Muslims or Christians) leave their country. Why didn’t you leave the country like many of your family members, instead of living alone here? Sedki: I love my country and I cannot live away from here. I want my kids to grow up here. But I can’t criticise anyone who decides to leave, we all have different situations and responsibilities. Going back to your work, why did you decide to withdraw from Nazaret Amety (My Aunt’s Theory) after signing the film’s contract? Sedki:  I withdrew after signing the contract and a few days before starting shooting, because I was surprised that they changed the film’s plotline and that was an inconvenience to me. What about your upcoming film, El-Eshk Wa El Maashouk (The lover and the beloved)? Sedki: It’s still in the writing phase and will start shooting right after finishing the script.