3 Lessons We Learned From Hend Sabry at the El Gouna Film Festival

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While millions are familiar with Hend Sabry, only a fortunate few ever get the chance to see her up close, let alone ask her a few questions. In Egypt for El Gouna Film Festival (GFF), the Tunisian-born actress — with a career spanning over three decades and a shelf full of awards — was invited to speak and share personal stories and valuable insights into the world of film. Her role? To inspire and guide the audience, offering a glimpse into the path that led her to stardom.
@milleworlddotcom @Hend Sabry seen making her way into @ElGounaFilmFestival this morning ahead of her much anticipated pannel talk ! #tunisia🇹🇳 #egypt #مصر🇪🇬 ♬ original sound – milleworlddotcom

Naturally, Mille was front and center for the much-anticipated talk on Oct. 27. But if you weren’t lucky enough to witness Sabry’s wisdom firsthand, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, we share three key lessons from one of the region’s most accomplished actresses.

1. Success comes from hard-work, perseverance and…. luck

@milleworlddotcom LIVE FROM GOUNA: @Hend Sabry explains how luck played a big part in how she became an actress over the years 🇹🇳🇪🇬 #tunisia🇹🇳 #مصر🇪🇬 #egypt ♬ original sound – milleworlddotcom


Sabry began her talk by reflecting on the lucky break that launched her career, highlighting the significant role chance played in her early days. Originally interested in pursuing diplomacy or a related field, her path took an unexpected turn during her father’s birthday party, where she was spotted by a family friend—none other than the acclaimed Tunisian director XXXXXX. A casual encounter turned into her first-ever audition. Though many would call it luck, Sabry’s journey was far from straightforward. She didn’t land the role immediately, initially cast as the backup. But fate intervened. When the first choice fell through, Sabry stepped into the role that would mark the beginning of her illustrious career. “It’s destiny that chose me,” she concluded with a radiant smile.


2. Everyone’s star struck, starting from celebrities themselves

@milleworlddotcom @Hend Sabry speaks on her experience working with legendary #Egyptian actor #AdelEmam 🇹🇳🇪🇬 #tunisia🇹🇳 #مصر🇪🇬 #egypt ♬ original sound – milleworlddotcom


It’s natural to feel a bit starstruck in the presence of someone you’ve admired for so long, someone who’s had a personal impact on you. But it’s important to remember that before becoming the celebrity they are today, they likely experienced those same emotions. Sabry touched on this very sentiment, recalling how terrified she felt before meeting legendary Egyptian actor Adel Emam for the first time. Despite her nerves, working with him ultimately became a valuable learning experience.

Sabry’s message was clear: no matter how famous or successful someone becomes, they still face moments of doubt and vulnerability. But it’s in those moments, she stressed, that the real growth happens—if you allow yourself to learn from the people and experiences around you. She herself is living proof of that approach.

 

3. You need to find the scene that suits you best

@milleworlddotcom LIVE FROM GOUNA: @Hend Sabry explains how luck played a big part in how she became an actress over the years 🇹🇳🇪🇬 #tunisia🇹🇳 #مصر🇪🇬 #egypt ♬ original sound – milleworlddotcom


Every country has its own way of working, from how people interact to how industries operate. The way business is conducted can vary greatly from one place to another, and some environments may align with your talents more than others. Sabry pointed out these differences in her speech, comparing the Tunisian and Egyptian film industries. In Tunisia, she explained, the scene is more intimate, where keeping a low profile is often the norm. Meanwhile, in Egypt, the environment is much more high-profile and dynamic. Her key takeaway? If the industry in your current country doesn’t resonate with you, it doesn’t mean you’re not suited for it. It might just mean that your strengths are better suited to another market.

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