Mena Massoud has become a worldwide Disney sensation after his portrayal as Aladdin in the new live action remake. The movie made over US $1 billion and now, the actor is returning to his Egyptian roots and will make an apprearance at the El Gouna Film Festival.
Esquire Cover Star Mena Massoud played the wily streetrat, Namoi Scott as Princess Jasmine, and Will Smith as the genie.
This will be the third installment of the film festival set in the Egyptian city of El Gouna, near the Red Sea, and will take place from September 19 to 27, 2019.
The festival was created three years ago in 2017 to bridge the communication gap between Western cinema and Arab cinema through the art of filmmaking.
Earlier this year, Massoud launched his own charitable foundation to give the industry’s diverse talent pool essential tools to jumpstart Hollywood careers.
“There’s a glass ceiling in Canada,” Massoud told The Hollywood Reporter.
As an Egyptian-Canadian growing up I never really saw people who looked like me on the big screen. Everywhere I turned I was being told that what I loved was just a hobby, just a dream, nothing I could actually achieve. pic.twitter.com/dPyI3u4Xnl
— Mena Massoud (@MenaMassoud) September 16, 2019
Today more than ever I understand the importance of representation and the impact of telling stories that portray the truth. And the truth is diversity. We all deserve to be given an equal chance. We all deserve to see ourselves on screen.
— Mena Massoud (@MenaMassoud) September 16, 2019
The @EDAFoundation is here to support & aid ALL diverse artists in achieving their dreams. We may not be able to control how we are treated by those around us but we can certainly stand together & support those who face the same challenges as us.
— Mena Massoud (@MenaMassoud) September 16, 2019
United we are stronger. United we can strive for equality. For more information or to donate now, link in bio!
— Mena Massoud (@MenaMassoud) September 16, 2019
