1.How did you get involved in acting the film Habbet Loulou? From where did you get started?
I graduated from NDU in summer 2012 with BA in communication arts and my concentration was Directing and scriptwriting. I have always had this passion for acting, which I have discovered through my acting experience in students short films. I never thought I would ever become an actress some day despite the fact that I took the lead role in more than 15 short films. I considered it a hobby, and pursuing it as a career was a huge dream that I kept for myself.Layal Rajha had also graduated from NDU years ago. She's been looking for her lead actress for months. She wanted an unknown person to play "Layal/Loulou" in her film.
She went to NDU and asked the head of the audio-visuals department, Mr. Sam Lahoud about students or graduates who are good at acting. He showed her many photos of different people. "I picked you immediately," she said. She called me the same day to meet up. We had a talk and I gave her my acting show-reel. Two days later I received a phone call from her congratulating me ongetting the role!
Everything happened so fast and unexpectedly.I read the script, fell in love with it and with the character I'll be playing. And Isaid yes!
2.Can you tell us more about the movie Habbet Loulou? what does it talk about?
Habbet Loulou is a film based on five true stories that have nothing to do with each other in real life, but were linked in the film.One of the topics it highlights is abortion. Takla Chamoun (Faten / Layal's mother) got raped in the civil war. She got pregnant so she was given two choices by her family; to keep the baby and leave, or get an abortion and stay. Faten decides to keep her baby (Layal) and leaves her house. Layal grows up with no identity. This is another topic that the film highlights: illegitimate children,which is the role I played in the film.
Layal/Loulou is a girl in her twenties who uses men to get benefits from them and dumps them as soon as she gets what she wants from them. Until she meets Karim (Elie Mitri) who comes from the States to Beirut. When Layal finds herself falling for someone for the first time, she discovers that Karim is married (civil marriage)and complications start from here.
Habbet Loulou also talks about prostitution. Lorraine Kodeih (Hala) took the role of a prostitute who blackmails a minister.The movie highlights many topics that take place in the streets of Beirut, and treated those plots or subjects "lightly".
3.How was your collaboration with Layal Rajha the director of the movieHabbet Loulou?
I really loved working with Layal Rajha. I loved her spirit and energy. She was very precise and knew what she wanted from each one of us, so working with her wasn't difficult. She's not the type of director who panics or yells on set. I loved that in her, really appreciated her patience. I congratulate her for her hard work and effort in this film, her first baby. She is full of surprises.
4.Have you ever received an award for your acting skills?
I was nominated for the best lead actress award in St. Tropez Film Festival in May 2013 for my role as Amani, in the short film "A Broken Tear" directed by Krystle Houeiss Abdunnur. She's also an NDU graduate.
5.What is the hardest part in acting?
An actor's emotions are most of the time, if not always on standby. This is sometimes overwhelming since those feelings are always at their peak. An actor should be ready to give any emotion at anytime during the shoot.Filming intense scenes on the same day is a bit tiring. You are consuming or even abusing your emotions, especially if you are doing it on a daily basis I believe you get used to it with time, with experience. It gets normal.
Another thing is, getting in character, and then having to let go of it.I wish there was a magical button that you'd press which helps you get off character when the shoot is over. It's hard to let go of this character, if you've been working on it for so long.
Actually the whole idea of acting is complicated to me (but I truly enjoy every part of it). Not only are we delivering emotions, but also living someone else's life;someone whose life has probably nothing to do with yours. To me, it's all about the details, knowing every single detail of this person; how this person behaves,speaks and reacts to anything. It's all about how credible and honest you appearbeing this someone else.
6.What you have to follow up to be a successful actress?
Dedication to the role you are or will be playing. Any actor should understand this new character and really spend time doing the character work.As for me, I am constantly rehearsing when I'm not shooting. I have an acting couch who spends hours working on my vocals, breathing, articulation, body language. We create scenes and improvise sometimes. An actor's only instrument is his/her body and voice. It's a package that needs care and constant work.I believe reading and watching a lot of movies help a lot. Sometimes sitting in a coffee shop in the middle of the city and just observing people can be very beneficial for an actor. Streets and people can definitely inspire.
7.If you are not an actress right now, what would you think would you be?
I would have been many things probably! I am happy I found my ultimate love though, which is acting.I didn't study directing for no reason, it's my second love. Actually, those two are always competing, I can never decide which one I love more! But if I was not in front of the camera, I would definitely love to be behind it. I find joy in working with actors and directing them.
Architecture was a second choice, before studying directing.I would have probably been a psychologist, too! I am currently thinking of getting a degree in psychology. I've always been into it. It also helps directors and actors in many aspects. It complements my career.
And if I had chosen none of these, I would have dedicated my whole life to dancing and became a professional contemporary dancer. I have this big love for it, but it needs a lot of time and dedication if you consider taking it seriously and choosing it as a career.Too many choices and love stories with each one of them. The good thing in being an actress is that you might get a chance being another someone who has a career that you've always loved. That's the fun part.
8.What's some advice that you would give to pursue someone to become and actor/actress?
Be passionate. Be persistent and patient. Those are simple "ingredients" that help you reach wherever you want to reach. Always have love for what you do.Acting is never about fame. The quality of work you're involved in is much more important than how fast your name will be spread and your face will be known.
By : Kozian Sola
