On this edition of #WaraElCeema, we had an exclusive interview with the Lebanese superstar, Nicolas Mouawad! Nicolas has starred in some of the most-watched and critically-acclaimed drama series to come out of Egypt, Lebanon, and the UAE like “Hagar Gohanam”, “Wannous”, and “Sabe3 Gar”. He’s been making mad waves lately, especially after he nailed his first Hollywood role in “His Only Son”.
We had a chat with Nicolas following the groundbreaking release of the trailer of his Hollywood movie, “His Only Son”. We got to discuss how he got ready for the role, his expectations for the movie, his collaboration with UNAIDS, future plans, and much more! Follow our hashtag #WaraElCeema for more exclusives from the film industry.
How did you get ready for your role in “His Only Son”?
I’ve always said that the hardest part about being an actor is the fact that you use your own memories and emotions as “working tools”, but while preparing for “Abraham”, I felt that there was more that I needed. Getting to read a lot about him (almost everything I could find) and trying to deprive myself all this “present time luxury” before and during the shoot were very important keys.
What are your expectations for the movie?
I expect people to love it because I’ve seen all the effort that has been poured into it, and I’m not only talking about acting. Every single person that worked on this movie had given his best, and I’m sure this can’t go “unrewarded”.
What was the difference between working in Hollywood and in the Arab World?
Well it s called Hollywood for a reason. But this doesn’t mean that some of our productions are not as professional. If I had to pick two major differences I would say technicalities and discipline.
What’s the achievement you’re proud of the most?
I would say the Best Lead Actor Award I got at the London International Filmmakers Festival in 2013 for “Love’s improvisations” by Youssef el Deeb. The step I took to move to Cairo in 2016 and what I’ve done in the Egyptian drama scene so far, and “His Only Son” of course.
Talk to us about your work with UNAIDS.
Well I did a couple of awareness videos and a press conference to launch my collaboration with UNAIDS HIV CAMPAIGN this year, but what I was looking forward to the most was postponed because of the COVID-19 spread and the social distancing it imposed. It’s the “field work”, getting to spend time with people who have HIV and their surroundings, not only raising awareness about how not to get the virus, but more importantly telling other people how to “embrace” and support them instead of shaming and stoning them.
After the success of “El 3awda”, do you have plans for Ramadan 2021?
No plans for Ramadan 2021 yet. I’m soon going back to the “Khayt Harir” set, the Egyptian series we had to stop shooting because of COVID-19. But we’re still not sure of the airing date.
What are your future plans?
I have a couple of interesting future plans which dates are still not confirmed because of the circumstances we re all facing. And I can’t wait for the theatrical release of “His Only Son” & “Mako” the first of its kind Egyptian feature film I can’t wait for u all to watch.