Yasmina El-Abd: The Rising Star Empowering Women in Arab Film and TV
Yasmina El-Abd, a young Egyptian actress, has been making waves in the entertainment industry since the age of 12. Her journey in acting serves as a testament to the growing theme of female empowerment in Arab cinema and television.
Born in Switzerland to Egyptian parents, El-Abd pursued her passion for drama by studying in London. Her breakthrough role came in the short film “The Shadow of Cairo,” where she portrayed Maya, a young girl seeking justice for her mother’s death by becoming a vigilante against sexual harassers in Cairo.
Since then, El-Abd has taken on various roles that challenge Arab patriarchal norms. From starring in the dramedy “Daughters of Abdul-Rahman” to playing Princess Safiya in HBO Max’s “Theodosia,” she has showcased her talent and versatility. She also appeared in the Arabic-language musical feature “Sukkar” and gained popularity in the hit Netflix series “Finding Ola,” where she portrays Zeina, a surrogate daughter to the show’s protagonist.
Turning 18 recently, El-Abd is fluent in English, French, and Arabic. In a conversation with Variety, she shared her insights on her career and her aspiration to step into the role of an executive producer.
El-Abd’s commitment to promoting female empowerment in her on-screen roles became evident early in her career. In “Daughters of Abdul-Rahman,” she tackled the taboo topic of early and forced marriages, shedding light on issues faced by young girls in the region.
Her experience working on “Theodosia,” an Egyptology-themed series, was particularly significant for El-Abd. As the only Egyptian lead, she took pride in representing her heritage and ensuring cultural accuracy in the production.
Collaborating with renowned actress Hend Sabri on “Finding Ola” was a milestone for El-Abd. Sabri’s dual role as a lead actor and executive producer inspired El-Abd to believe in the potential of women in leadership positions within the industry. She emphasized the importance of women taking charge of their careers and having a voice in storytelling.
El-Abd’s journey as a young actress in the Middle East echoes a broader shift towards gender equality and representation in the entertainment landscape. By breaking stereotypes and advocating for inclusive storytelling, she is paving the way for future generations of female artists.
As El-Abd continues to make her mark in the industry, her dedication to empowering women through her work serves as a beacon of hope for a more equitable and diverse Arab film and TV industry.
