By: Yomna Walid
Sudanese actress Islam Mubarak has forged a special connection with Egyptian audiences through two standout roles. She first captured attention with her striking performance as &ldquo;Madina from Nigeria&rdquo; in Ashgal Shaqa Gedan, followed by her powerful turn in Siret Ahl El-Daye (The Tale of Daye&rsquo;s Family), written by Haitham Dabour and directed by Karim El-Shenawy, which premiered in Egyptian cinemas on the 3rd of September.
Her talent has also been recognized internationally; Mubarak received a Special Jury Prize at the Arab Hollywood Film Festival, and the film was later screened at the Berlin Film Festival.
Audiences may also remember her unforgettable role in &lsquo;You Will Die at 20&rsquo;, the first Sudanese film ever nominated for an Oscar, where her vibrant performance earned critical acclaim worldwide.
In an exclusive interview with Nile FM, Mubarak reflected on her artistic journey, her cultural identity, and her vision for the future of Sudanese cinema&mdash;emphasizing how her roots continue to inspire and shape her career.
&nbsp;<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SfjVrhfYlw4" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&ldquo;Seret Ahl El Daye&rdquo; (The Tale of Daye&rsquo;s Family)
How did you receive the news of winning the Special Jury Prize at the Arab Hollywood Film Festival on your role in Seret Ahl El Daye?
Winning the Special Jury Prize at the Arab Hollywood Film Festival on my role in &lsquo;Daye&rsquo;, means a great deal to me. It represents both, artistic maturity and the start of a new phase in my career.
What attracted you to the story of Daye? And how did you find presenting a character from a family on a difficult journey from Aswan to Cairo?
What attracted me most to the story was the depth of its humanity &mdash; how it highlights the real and underrepresented presence of people with albinism in our communities. The script offered a rare opportunity to dive into their world, understand their emotions, and explore how they relate to those around them.
&nbsp;<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/16HJgIdoYkw" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
How would you describe your experience working with director Karim El Shenawy?
Working with director Karim El Shenawy was a great enriching experience. He&rsquo;s a director who knows exactly what he wants and always chooses scripts with strong social angles. His unique touch was present in every aspect of the film. It was an honor to be part of a cast with such diverse acting backgrounds. Being part of international festivals like Berlinale and Red Sea was another personal milestone &mdash; a confirmation of my presence not only in the Arab film scene but also on a broader, more global level.
What does the Sudanese woman represent to you?
My role reminded me of the power and resilience of Sudanese women who, despite political and social struggles, remain pillars of courage, beauty, and perseverance across all fields, not just in cinema. I believe that my character sends a clear message to every woman suffering in silence: &lsquo;We do not have the luxury of collapsing&rsquo;.
Any upcoming projects?
Right now, I&rsquo;m preparing for a number of projects; some completed, some in progress, and others still in the early discussion phase. I will continue to appear in Egyptian productions, especially after the success of "Ashgal Shaqa Gedan"

On Air Now

Non-Stop Music

You May like

Schedule

Non-Stop Music