From a childhood wish to sharing the screen with Egypt’s biggest stars, Jessica Hossam El Din is living her dream. At just 14, this young actress has captivated audiences with her radiant talent, transforming each role into a memorable performance. Whether playing a bold lead in Kamel El Adad (Full House) or tackling complex characters in The Goat, Hossam El Din is proving that age is no barrier to greatness. eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the chance to sit down with the young actress where she reveals the challenges, triumphs, and dreams that have shaped her journey from an aspiring actress to one of Egypt’s brightest rising stars.
Hossam El Din’s career began in an unexpected yet heartfelt way—a prayer. She recalls watching the series El Wesaya (The Will) when she was eight and felt a strong desire to work with actor Ahmed Amin and director Khaled El Halafawy. “I prayed to work with them,” she shares. “Then, I got an audition for a play with Ahmed Amin, and I was accepted. That’s where my journey started.”
For many, entering the world of theatre is an intimidating prospect, especially for a child. However, for Hossam El Din, this experience was invaluable. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” she says. “Theatre gives you a unique kind of confidence. The instant reactions of the audience are so powerful, and it’s something that prepares you for the industry.”
Hossam El Din’s inspiration to pursue acting came from watching classic Egyptian films, particularly Sagheera Ala El Hob (Too Young to Love), starring the iconic Souad Hosny. “Everything about that movie captivated me,” she remembers. Watching Hosny’s portrayal of a young girl navigating love and life left a lasting impression, sparking Hossam El Din’s love for the craft.
Balancing a career in acting with school might seem daunting, but Hossam El Din is resolute in her determination. “It’s so hard,” she admits, “but I make it work by studying the curriculum before the school year starts, so I’m ahead when shooting begins.”
Being an actress at such a young age comes with its own set of unique challenges, particularly when the characters she plays are so different from her real-life experiences. “That’s the hardest part,” she says. “All the characters I play are different from my personality, and it’s a challenge to bring them to life. But I love it—it’s like living multiple lives in one.”
To embody these diverse characters, Hossam El Din often draws on her observations of people around her. “Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine what these characters would feel or do, but I try to link them to someone I’ve seen before, someone who reminds me of them.”
For her role in The Goat, Hossam El Din had to immerse herself in an entirely unfamiliar world—that of a young girl living in a desert married off at an early age. “I’ve never experienced anything like that,” she explains. “So, I spent time in Siwa Oasis with girls there to learn about their lives. It was important to me to understand the character, to feel her world.”
Her role in The Goat is particularly close to her heart. “It’s one of the projects I’m proudest of,” she says. “I was 11 when I filmed it, and everything I’ve learned in this industry, I learned from that movie. It was a pivotal moment in my life, both personally and professionally.”
The film has been met with acclaim both in Egypt and internationally, earning numerous awards. For Hossam El Din, the recognition is still surreal. “I can’t believe it,” she says, beaming with pride. “I’m so happy and proud of what we’ve achieved.”
In addition to The Goat, Hossam El Din’s role in Kamel El Adad has further cemented her place in the industry. “I love Kamel El Adad so much,” she enthuses. “Whether it’s the crew, the series itself, or the feedback from the audience—it was all so special. We became like a family, and that made everything easier in the second season.”
Currently, Hossam El Din is working on Bergham El Qanoon (Despite the Law) with Iman El Assi, another project that she’s deeply excited about. “It’s a challenging role,” she says. “It’s so different from anything I’ve done before, and I love how complicated the character is.”
As for future collaborations, Hossam El Din has a long list of actors and directors she admires. “I’ve always wanted to act with Mohamed Mamdouh, and I just finished a short film with him, which was a dream come true. She would also loves to work with actors like Ahmed Ezz and Karim Abdel Aziz., and with actresses like Hend Sabry and Mona Zaki., When it comes to directors, her favourites include Karim El Shenawy, Kamla Abo Zekry, and Tamer Mohsen.
While she enjoys both cinema and television, Hossam El Din has a particular affection for the former. “I love both,” she says, “but cinema feels like a legacy. There’s something timeless about being part of a film.”
One of the issues Hossam El Din feels sad about is the lack of lead roles for young girls in Egyptian cinema. “I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to play lead roles at such a young age,” she says, acknowledging that these opportunities are rare. “Most of the leading roles go to male actors, even though we have so many talented young actresses. It’s something that needs to change.”
When asked about the kinds of roles she dreams of playing, Hossam El Din is clear: she loves complexity. “I love complicated roles,” she says. “Roles that are far from my real-life personality. I think that’s what I find most exciting about acting—it’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes and bringing them to life in a way that feels real.”
Despite her young age, Hossam El Din already has an impressive body of work under her belt, and she’s only just getting started. When asked to sum up her journey in acting so far in one word, she chooses “experience.” It’s a fitting description for a career that’s been filled with learning, growth, and opportunities—and one that shows no signs of slowing down. As she continues to rise in the world of acting, there’s no doubt that this young star will continue to shine brightly, both in Egypt and beyond.