Arab Actors Khaled El Sawy And Dhafer L'Abidine Discuss Writing At SIBF 2025

Renowned Arab actors Khaled El Sawy and Dhafer L'Abidine will headline a session titled "From acting to writing: artists narrate the story" at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025). This event will delve into how their transition from acting to writing has enriched their creative expression. The discussion will explore how their acting experiences have influenced their storytelling and writing approaches.

The session is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, at 7:00 pm in the ballroom of Expo Centre Sharjah. It is part of the SIBF’s Art and Literature programme, a key series of the fair. Both artists will discuss how years in front of the camera have sharpened their narrative skills and informed their reflections on art, life, and humanity, providing an intimate look at the intersection between performance and literature.

Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, stated that the fair aims to highlight artists who navigate both acting and writing to emphasise literature's central role in cultural and creative life. She remarked: "We are proud to host El Sawy and L’Abidine. They are not only acclaimed actors but also writers who bring depth and purpose to Arabic literature. The strongest works in theatre and cinema often begin with the written word, and their careers are testament to that truth."

She further added: "Through this year’s Art and Literature programme, we highlight the creative bridge between screen and page. It allows audiences to see how the book remains integral to the creative process—an idea that resonates with this year’s theme, ‘Between You and a Book.’"

Egyptian actor and playwright Khaled El Sawy is a significant figure in Arab cinema and theatre whose artistic journey started with writing. Before gaining fame on screen, he had established himself as a playwright and poet through works like Horses and The Diary of Eternity, known for their sharp language and human insight. In 2024, he reaffirmed his literary presence with Atlal, blending creative instinct with intellectual force.

Tunisian actor and filmmaker Dhafer L'Abidine represents the modern Arab artist who effortlessly transitions between acting and authorship. His debut feature Ghodwa (2021), which he wrote, directed, and starred in, won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cairo International Film Festival. It was later acquired by Netflix, establishing him as a storyteller of range and purpose.

Global Cultural Impact

The Art and Literature programme at SIBF brings together leading artists, musicians, and writers globally. It highlights how serious artistic expression continues to shape global culture by spotlighting performers whose creative journeys reveal language's enduring power in storytelling.

L'Abidine followed Ghodwa with To My Son, which earned Best Film and a special mention for screenplay at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival. Working across Arab and international markets—from The Eddy by Damien Chazelle to regional hits like Sweetness of the World—L’Abidine continues treating cinema as both a visual craft built from written words.

For Khaled El Sawy, writing extends his performance—driven by precision, intent, and emotional depth that shape his acting. His works reflect his ability to merge creativity with intellectual force.

With inputs from WAM