Hussam Faress: Up-close & Personal
If I asked you to describe yourself in five words, what would these words be?
A very ordinary human being, I’m very passionate about acting and apart from my work as an actor I become a very ordinary citizen
How were your beginnings as an actor and was it at any point difficult?
No not difficult at all, I studied theatre in the Academy of Arts with a concentration in Stage Acting and Directing, Later on I knew that Director Mohamed Fadel was casting for his TV series “Al ‘ela wal Naas – the Family and the People” produced by Sawt Al Qahera and written by Magdy Saber. I went to audition and I got a callback. I was chosen for the role of Gamal El Zayaty because of my potential as well as because of my experience in horseback riding. Afterwards I got plenty of work.
What about your recent roles?
Right now I’m working on TV series called “Naseem Al Raw’ – the spirit of the soul” directed by Dr.Sameer Saif and written by Yousri El Guindi and TV series “’adda El Nahaar – As morning passes by” directed by Ismail Abdel Hafez.
Tell us about your TV series “3adda EL Nahaar- As morning passes by”.
Nicole Saba and me are playing the roles of grandchildren of the descendants of the Muhammed Ali Pasha when they’re property is taken away from them so they have to move to France. The role I’m playing is this young guy who leaves his home country when he is very young and all what he can remember that Egypt has taken away all his family’s fortune and this comes back always in a form of flashback. As a member of royalty he has no work experience so his only way of making money for living is starting relationships with older women and taking their money. Then he comes back to Egypt and he marries another women. During the course of the series he has a lot of conversations with his sister Nicole Saba.
What do you think about Turkish and Syrian drama?
I love Syrian Drama and I admit they are much more advanced than us especially in producing historical TV series. As for the Turkish Drama, I like things along the lines of “Noor”
How did you deal with your first time in front of the camera?
I used to act before that on stage. Everyone says stage acting is the most difficult kind of acting. But somehow in front of this machine with its tiny lens I started to be very self-conciseness. I lost the ability to talk but I overcame this panic. It’s a matter of getting used to it.
Who was your first co-actor?
It was Kamal Abou Raya, an old show called “Al Banat wal Ghorba” directed by Tayseer Amoud. I wasn’t even a graduate by then. I had 5 shots to act in this show. I memorized my role very well but I kept on forgetting in front of the camera. But my first show as a professional was certainly “Al Aela Wal Naas”
Who is the person who had a profound effect of you in terms of your career as an artist?
My role model is Ahmad Zaki. Ahmad Zaki worked his way up until he became Arab world’s best actor. When we remember Ahmad Zaki we remember the good acting. He worked everything possible when he was studying theatre in the academy of Arts. He broke all the rules of the handsome blonde hero. And this dark-skinned talented actor became the best after a while.
What do you think about Arab cinema, particularly Egyptian cinema, for Egyptian cinema industry is doesn’t have a strong presence in film festival. Why do you think this is happening?
I think this is the fault of the producers and people working in the distribution. All they care about is the profit. Very few producers’ care about their films being part of festivals and I wish there will be more of them.
How do you see the Art scene nowadays?
The Art scene today is different it was the previous years. There is a lot of progress. There was a point when Cinema was at a point of deterioration and commercial films. There are a lot of filmmakers I used to respect a lot. They hide under the umbrella of art and what they end up doing is pornography.
Do you watch 50’s and 60’s cinema?
Of course
What do you like about it the most?
The actors. They are truly good and talented actors who didn’t get into the business through nepotism like most of the actors nowadays get their way through. Like Ismail Yassin and Zinat Sidky and others.
How about you working in the cinema?
Well, if I was an offered a good screenplay I will definitely work. Apart from that there is something I’m working on right but still in the phase of study.
What about theatre?
I’m in love with theatre. I have an idea that I discussed with a colleague and we’re intending to work on it.
What is the one historical character you want to play? And why?
Salah El Deen El Ayoubi. Because he united the Arabs and we are in need of a Salah El Deen El Ayoubi.
If you weren’t an actor what would your job be?
A veterinarian. I love animals
Who would you send flowers on Valentine’s Day?
My mother of course. She is the reason why I am the way I am right now. And of Crouse I love my wife, children and my work.
What about your first love. Does your wife know anything about that?
Of course (laughs) I tell her everything. I used to be in love with the daughter of my teacher in primary school. All the boys in class used to love her. But then later when I graduated from university things were different.
To what extent do you believe in Ihsan’s Abdel Kdous quote” In each one’s life a big illusion called the first love, don’t believe this, for the first love is always the last “?
It’s true. At first I used to love this girl in primary school and I thought this was the end of the world. I grew up and I found out that the first love is the last love. Especially when you find someone who bears with you and pushes you forward and worries about you.
From where do you usually buy your cloths?
Not a specific brand but I usually like to wear signee.
What do you expect from your wife?
Love and Respect
Do you care about criticism of your work?
Of course. This criticism makes me know my mistakes that next time I have to get over it.
What’s new with Hussam Fares?
Right now I’m shooting part two of “Al Masraweya” written by Usama Anwar Okasha ad directed by Ismail Abel Hafez. With Mamdouh Abdel Aleem replacing Hisham Selim, Manal Salama replacing Regina and Mais Hamdan replacing Ghada Adel.