The Grand Screen Dreams: An Intimate Conversation with The Rising Star Eman Al Hussaini

In the world of Arab television, some actors are born into the spotlight, while others discover their calling through serendipity. Eman al Hussaini belongs to the latter category—a talented performer whose journey began with a chance encounter in 2016 and has since blossomed into a passionate pursuit of the craft. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her artistic evolution, creative process, and the dreams that drive her forward.

1. You’ve built an impressive career in TV and entertainment. What initially drew you to this industry, and how did your journey begin?

My journey into acting began quite serendipitously in 2016. I was searching for something extraordinary, something that would take me beyond the ordinary path. A writer discovered my potential and initially offered me a film role, though that particular project didn’t come to fruition. Instead, he presented me with an opportunity in television—a series called “Bab Al-Reeh” (Wind’s Door), which became my debut in 2016.

That experience was transformative. It was through that first project that I truly discovered myself as a performer. I realized that acting wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was something I genuinely loved and felt passionate about. I found myself completely immersed in the craft, pouring my entire soul into it and channeling every ounce of creative energy I possessed into my performances.

2.What has been your most memorable role or on-screen moment so far, and why did it resonate with you?

Without question, the role of Shawq in “Mahattat Intizar” (Waiting Station) holds the deepest place in my heart and career. This character became the catalyst that truly refined and elevated my talent as an actress. The role remains vividly etched in my memory because it provided me with such clarity about my artistic direction and potential.

Playing Shawq allowed me to explore and experience a wide spectrum of emotions that I had never tapped into before as a performer. The character continues to live within me and remains one of the most influential and impactful roles I’ve ever portrayed. It was through Shawq that I understood not just where I was as an actress, but where I could go.

3.If you could collaborate with any director or actor (past or present), who would it be and why?

Director Mohamed Samy stands out as the filmmaker I most admire and dream of working with. What sets him apart is his extraordinary ability to transport actors to entirely new emotional and creative territories. He has this remarkable gift of extracting performances and depths from actors that many other directors simply cannot access.

I have tremendous respect for his directorial vision and approach. My aspiration is to one day master Egyptian Arabic fluently so that I can work in Egyptian productions, specifically with Director Mohamed Samy. I believe that collaboration would push my artistic boundaries in ways I can only imagine.

 4.What’s a common misconception people have about working in television and entertainment?

There’s a pervasive misconception that our profession is effortless—that we simply show up, look beautiful, and deliver lines. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that artists work incredibly hard, with dedication that goes far beyond what audiences see on screen.

However, I must emphasize that while it is demanding work, its work is filled with immense pleasure, genuine passion, and a unique energy that renews itself every single day. Perhaps that’s where the misconception originates—because we love what we do so deeply, people assume it must be easy. But the truth is, we work tirelessly to appear natural and compelling, to earn the audience’s love, and to deliver something fresh, meaningful, and different with every performance.

5.How do you prepare for a new role? Any routines?

My preparation process is quite intensive and varies depending on the complexity and depth of each character. Fundamentally, it begins with extensive reading. I typically read the complete script three to four times, and remarkably, with each reading, I discover new layers and nuances about the character that I hadn’t previously noticed.

One of my most important preparation techniques is strategic isolation. I often withdraw from social interactions and retreat into solitude to achieve deeper focus on the character I’m developing. During these periods, I avoid conversations with others and create my own private space where I can be completely absorbed in the character’s world.

This isolation allows me to exist in an intimate space with the character, completely removed from external distractions and the demands of the outside world. I become fully immersed with the series’ characters and storyline. This solitude and focused preparation has become my most effective method for approaching any role I undertake.

6.The media landscape is evolving rapidly. How do you stay authentic in an industry that’s constantly changing and shape shifting?

Development and growth are essential in every field, and acting is certainly no exception. As a performer, I constantly seek opportunities to evolve through continuous study and observation. I make it a priority to watch new productions, challenge myself to develop fresh perspectives with each project, and never stop learning.

Acting workshops are a cornerstone of my ongoing development—I participate in them consistently and regularly. These workshops serve multiple purposes: they help me maintain and sharpen my acting tools, refresh my techniques, and ensure that my skills remain current and effective.

I firmly believe that if I ever become complacent or stop growing at any point, I will fail to succeed or continue progressing in this field. Therefore, I’m committed to continuously learning something new, whether through formal workshops or by seeking diverse perspectives from experienced industry professionals. This commitment to lifelong learning is what I believe separates good actors from truly great ones.

7.What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received—and how has it shaped your career?

Two pieces of direction have profoundly shaped my approach to acting and remain central to my technique. The first came from a director who told me, “Use your eyes effectively.” He recognized that I possess a unique expressive language through my gaze and that I can communicate entire emotions and narratives solely through my eyes. He encouraged me to always focus on and develop that particular strength.

The second transformative piece of advice came from another director who instructed me to “remove all shyness from your acting to truly distinguish yourself.” This guidance helped me understand that vulnerability and boldness in performance are essential for creating memorable and authentic characters.

8.How do you handle criticism or pressure in the public eye?

Thankfully, I don’t encounter much criticism, or perhaps I simply focus more intently on the tremendous love and support I receive from audiences. I consistently feel surrounded by positive energy and genuine affection from people who appreciate my work.

However, when I do receive constructive criticism specifically related to my artistic performance, I approach it with complete openness and professionalism. I work diligently to understand the feedback, analyze its validity, and apply those insights to improve future performances.

9.How do you unwind and recharge when you’re not working?

Travel is my most effective method of rejuvenation and mental reset. I make it a priority to distance myself completely from anything work-related, or alternatively, I spend quality time at home with my cats, often watching new series for both relaxation and continued learning.

During these recovery periods, I completely disconnect from social media and avoid professional conversations entirely. It’s a form of psychological tranquility that I find essential for maintaining my mental health and creative energy. I need these moments to collect and center myself after completing each project.

10.What’s a dream project or role you haven’t tackled yet?

The role I most aspire to play would feature complex, multi-layered emotions—a character that would require me to navigate and portray a vast range of emotional states and experiences. I’m particularly drawn to transformative characters who undergo significant personal evolution.

As a reference point, I deeply admire Hanan Turk’s portrayal of “Sarah” in the series of the same name. The character of “Sarah”, who transforms from dealing with illness to courageously facing life’s challenges as she matures, represents the type of demanding, emotionally rich role I dream of tackling.

11.If you could leave The Victor Magazine readers with one message, what would it be?

My message to anyone pursuing their dreams—whether in acting or any other field—is fundamental yet powerful: Follow your dreams with unwavering determination. Believe in them completely. Commit to working tirelessly toward them, and most importantly, have absolute faith in yourself and in your ability to create something beautiful and meaningful.

I am completely certain—without any doubt whatsoever—that anyone who truly believes in their dream and commits to pursuing it with genuine passion will ultimately achieve it. Dreams require both belief and action, but when you combine those elements with persistence, success becomes inevitable.