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Yasmina El-Abd: A rising star in the Arab world
From Switzerland to the spotlight
Yasmina El-Abd, a name that has been making waves in the Arab film and TV industry, is a testament to the growing theme of female empowerment in the region’s media landscape. Born in Switzerland to an Egyptian family, El-Abd’s journey into acting began at a young age. She studied drama in London and landed her first significant role in the short film “The Shadow of Cairo”, where she played Maya, a 12-year-old who becomes a superhero to avenge her mother’s death by targeting sexual harassers in Cairo.
A diverse portfolio of roles
El-Abd’s career has been marked by a variety of roles that highlight her versatility and commitment to challenging societal norms. She starred in the dramedy “Daughters of Abdul-Rahman”, which tackles Arab patriarchy, and in the HBO Max kids series “Theodosia”, where she plays Princess Safiya, the only Egyptian lead in the show. Her role in the groundbreaking Arabic-language musical feature “Sukkar” and the hit Netflix series “Finding Ola” further cement her status as a rising star. In “Finding Ola,” she portrays Zeina, a surrogate daughter to the show’s protagonist, who navigates life after a happy divorce.
Embracing female empowerment
El-Abd, who recently turned 18 and is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, has always been drawn to roles that promote female empowerment. Reflecting on her career, she notes that her role in “The Shadow of Cairo” was pivotal in spreading awareness about sexual harassment in the Middle East. This theme continued in “Daughters of Abdul-Rahman,” where her character’s arc revolves around early and forced marriage, highlighting the struggles of young girls in patriarchal societies.
Representing Egypt in “Theodosia”
Playing a lead role in the Egyptology-themed series “Theodosia” was a significant milestone for El-Abd. She felt a deep connection to the script, which, although aimed at younger audiences, appeals to a broad demographic due to its accurate portrayal of Egyptian history. The writers collaborated with Egyptologists to ensure authenticity, and El-Abd took it upon herself to ensure that Arabic names were pronounced correctly, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in media.
Working with Hend Sabri on “Finding Ola”
El-Abd’s experience on “Finding Ola” was particularly enriching, as it was her first TV series in the Middle East. Working alongside Hend Sabri, who is both the protagonist and an executive producer on the show, was an inspiring experience. El-Abd describes Sabri as a class act and a mentor who has paved the way for young actors like herself. In the second season, her character Zeina evolves, reflecting the fluctuating maturity of a typical Gen Z influencer.
Breaking barriers as an executive producer
El-Abd’s ambition extends beyond acting; she is also keen on becoming an executive producer. She believes that women in the industry should not be limited and can lead projects with authenticity. Seeing Sabri in a dual role as an actor and executive producer has been a source of inspiration. El-Abd is determined to follow in her footsteps, advocating for more young women in the Middle East and globally to take on leadership roles in the industry.
A bright future ahead
Yasmina El-Abd’s journey is a powerful example of how young talent can break barriers and challenge societal norms through media. Her diverse roles and commitment to female empowerment make her a role model for aspiring actors. As she continues to grow in her career, both in front of and behind the camera, El-Abd is set to make a lasting impact on the industry.
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