Tunisian actress Amina Ben Ismail has quickly garnered attention with her powerful portrayal of Shams in the 2023 Nada Mezni Hafaiedh-directed film Take My Breath. Recognized at the Geneva International Oriental Film Festival, the Casablanca Arab Film Festival, and the Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival, her performance as an intersex person grappling with the societal and personal complexities of acceptance and rejection has resonated with audiences across borders. For Ben Ismail, these awards hold special significance. “I feel even prouder to be recognized within the region,” she told MILLE. “It’s incredibly meaningful because people here celebrate the film without censorship, connecting with the story as a human experience.”
Ben Ismail’s path to acting was unconventional, much like the roles she gravitates toward. Originally an anthropology graduate, acting wasn’t even on her radar until a chance encounter with a one-man show in Paris, where she found herself signing up for an acting class “just for fun” with friends. “I didn’t even think of acting as a real job,” she laughs. But the experience lit a spark in her, leading her to pursue acting seriously. “I gave myself a year to train. If it didn’t work out, I thought, I’d find another job.” That year turned into three at the Actors Studio, where she not only developed her craft but also met her agent, launching her career. Her background in anthropology has since added depth to her roles, giving her a natural insight into complex characters and human stories.
While she isn’t directly using her degree, the rising star acknowledges its influence on her acting. This becomes evident in her rigorous preparation process. “I start by asking loads of questions and building a backstory,” she explains. “For Shams, I tried to come up with an emotional universe.” This process was strengthened by her interactions with Emna, an intersex individual who generously shared personal insights. “Meeting Emna brought a depth to Shams that I couldn’t have found alone,” Ben Ismail reflects. “Our conversations helped me portray Shams’ struggles with authenticity.”
In one pivotal scene requiring Ben Ismail to channel genuine anger and disappointment, Emna was there on set, watching and applauding her performance. “It was a warm moment that reminded me why I chose this role,” she recalls. With Take My Breath gaining traction—and now as Tunisia’s official Oscar submission—the actress hopes the film will inspire open discussions in communities where gender and identity are often overlooked. “I want this film to be more than entertainment. I hope it starts conversations about love, acceptance, and what it means to be human,” she shares. For her, success is measured by the impact on audiences and her personal growth. “If people feel something true and human, that’s success.”
Portraying Shams has also shifted her own perspective on identity. “Shams’ journey changed how I understand gender and identity,” she notes. “It pushed me to see beyond traditional categories, showing me the freedom of breaking away from labels.” This role has emboldened her to seek out characters that challenge conventions. “Playing Shams made me realize I could stretch beyond the roles people expect,” she reflects. “I didn’t start my career with specific expectations, but this role gave me the confidence to dive into more challenging parts.”
When asked about her dream roles, Ben Ismail confesses that she initially envisioned herself in comedy, inspired by sitcoms like Friends and The Office. “I still hope to do a comedy someday,” she laughs, “but now, I’d love to do it in Tunisia or at least in a way that reflects my native culture’s humor.” Indeed, her journey has taught her the importance of authenticity—a lesson she shares with aspiring actors.
Her advice? “Train, be patient, and remember why you’re doing this. The craft itself has to be enough, not just the fame.”
