Ahmed Helmy in Jeddah: Passion is the fuel of creativity for film students
The 13th edition of the Effat International Student Film Festival hosted a special dialogue session in Jeddah between the star Ahmed Helmy and university students. The event witnessed a remarkable turnout and significant interaction from those interested in the film industry, with the dialogue moderated by journalist Yasser Al-Saqqaf. The discussion covered inspiring milestones in the Egyptian star's artistic career, from his academic studies to his rise to the pinnacle of meaningful comedy in the Arab world.
The echoes of Ahmed Helmy's visit to Jeddah: A bridge between cinematic generations
visit to Jeddah and his participation in this festival hold significant importance both locally and regionally. In light of the cultural and artistic renaissance underway in Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030, the transfer of expertise from veteran Arab film stars to young Saudi talent represents a strategic step in supporting the local film industry. This direct interaction not only inspires students but also strengthens regional cultural cooperation and places the emerging Saudi cinema on the map of international engagement by attracting prominent figures with considerable influence and a wide audience.
Effat Film Festival: A leading platform for fostering creativity
The Effat International Student Film Festival is a landmark in the Saudi cultural landscape. Its thirteenth edition marks a long history of pioneering initiatives, as Effat University is recognized as the first educational institution in the Kingdom to offer a specialized academic program in film arts. Over the years, the festival has fostered a fertile environment for filmmakers, providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity and connect with industry experts. This reflects a long-standing commitment to establishing a robust infrastructure for Saudi cinema, even before the official opening of movie theaters in the Kingdom.
Passion and overcoming challenges: Golden tips for film students
During his engaging talk, Helmy reviewed his most prominent artistic and personal experiences, reflecting on the difficult challenges he faced at the beginning of his career and how he was able to transform his passion for art into a continuous success story. He offered a set of valuable tips to the students, emphasizing the importance of working in a field one loves, and uttering his inspiring quote: “Passion is the true fuel for creativity and excellence.” He also touched upon a number of his most prominent cinematic works that resonated widely, showcasing the diversity of roles he has played and his constant commitment to choosing works that carry humanistic messages, reflect the realities of society, and contribute to raising public taste.
Childhood memories and the visual arts in the star's life
Ahmed Helmy's connection to Jeddah dates back to his childhood and youth, as he lived for nearly ten years in the Red Sea city due to his father's work in the Kingdom. Jeddah was a pivotal point in shaping Helmy's personality, as he has often mentioned in interviews the profound impact this period had on his awareness and culture before returning to Egypt and embarking on his artistic career. Beyond his success as a comedic actor, Helmy also possesses a passion for drawing and the visual arts. From a young age, he was interested in painting, a passion that aligns with his graduation from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, specializing in set design. This environment honed his visual creativity, which is clearly reflected in the details of his work and his artistic choices.
The meeting concluded with a remarkable interaction from the students, who posed numerous questions about entering the field of acting, the challenges of filmmaking, and how to develop creative skills. The event ended on an inspiring note, reflecting the importance of such gatherings in supporting young talent, fostering cultural and artistic activity, and building a new generation capable of leading the future of cinema in the region.
