The Creative Achievement Award recipient reflects on the backlash against El Sett, her collaborations with Ahmed Zaki, and the importance of overcoming fear in the pursuit of artistic growth.
Egyptian actress Mona Zaki reflected on the challenges of her career, the impact of public criticism, and the importance of artistic experimentation during a discussion at the ninth El Gouna Film Festival, where she received the Creative Achievement Award.
Zaki spoke candidly about the backlash surrounding El Sett, in which she portrays legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthoum, revealing that her greatest distress came from the criticism directed at her colleagues rather than the attacks on her personally.
“The attack on El Sett affected me because I hurt other people, people who are better than me and very talented, and they were subjected to harm and criticism,” she said.
Despite the emotional toll, Zaki stressed that criticism would not prevent her from pursuing the profession she loves. “I haven’t stopped doing what I love despite the criticism, because this is my job, which I adore, and I will continue doing what I want,” she said.
Asked whether she would consider portraying Egyptian actress Souad Hosny in a television series, Zaki answered unequivocally that she would accept the opportunity, emphasizing her right as an actress to experiment with challenging roles.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing New Experiences
Zaki encouraged young performers to take artistic risks early in their careers, recalling her experiences in experimental and state-run theatres before gaining wider recognition through the play Ya Mesafer Wahdak in 1988.
“Try things a lot at the beginning,” she advised, explaining that those early experiences allowed her to learn and develop without the pressure of public expectations.
She also reflected on her collaborations with the late actor Ahmed Zaki in Ayam El-Sadat (2001) and Halim (2006), describing him as an influential figure in her artistic development. His guidance helped her explore different emotional registers and understand complex character relationships.
Zaki recalled the warmth and encouragement he showed her during their work together, describing his paternal affection as a formative influence. Their final collaboration, Halim, proved particularly emotional, as Ahmed Zaki portrayed legendary singer Abdel Halim Hafez during the final period of his life.
Art, Mentorship and Creative Growth
Zaki credited her husband, actor Ahmed Helmy, with broadening her understanding of art through his interests in painting and interior design. She also spoke humorously about director Hany Khalifa, noting that their relationship remained affectionate despite his increasingly demanding approach to directing.
The session was attended by prominent Egyptian stars, including Yousra and Laila Elwi. Cairo International Film Festival President Hussein Fahmy also joined Zaki on stage and praised her talent, dedication, and influence on Egyptian cinema.
The ninth El Gouna Film Festival runs until October 23 under the theme “Cinema for Humanity: Archiving Narratives.” The programme features 77 films from Egypt, the Arab world, and beyond, alongside industry events and initiatives supporting emerging filmmakers, including the expanded CineGouna platform and the introduction of CineGouna Series.
Zaki’s message throughout the discussion was clear: criticism may be painful, but the fear of failure must never become a reason to abandon artistic ambition.
