Despite initial objections from her family, Reem Moustafa was determined to follow her dream of becoming an actress. Her unlikely journey, from a successful marketing career to the silver screen, is a testament to her perseverance and her unwavering commitment to her craft. eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the chance to sit down with the talented actress for a heartfelt chat about her acting career, the secret to her success, and handling the demands of fame.
When the name “Reem Moustafa” is mentioned, what immediately springs to mind for many is her breathtaking beauty and her remarkable talent as an actress, seamlessly portraying various characters throughout her career. However, few realise that beneath this remarkable beauty and talent lies a genuinely humble and exuberant soul.
After completing her studies in Radio and Television at the Faculty of Mass Communication at Cairo University, destiny had different plans for the beautiful Reem Moustafa, who found herself immersed in the world of marketing in Dubai for a few years. It wasn’t long, however, before her true calling came to the fore, and her passion for acting took center stage. When an interview opportunity with a director presented itself, only to be momentarily thwarted by familial intervention, her determination to follow her heart rose to the surface and she took the decision to seriously pursue her dream of becoming an actress.
Moustafa’s first appearance was in the television series Fad Ishtibak (Clash Break-Up) alongside Ahmed Safwat, Ragaa Al Geddawy, Sana Youssef, and Inas Kamel. However, her real breakthrough came the following year, when she caught everyone’s attention with her brilliant performance in the popular series Heba Regl El Ghourab, Egypt’s adaptation of the American comedy Ugly Betty. Starring alongside Amy Samir Ghanem, her performance impressed both audiences and critics alike. That role catapulted her into the limelight, and she went on to take part in numerous successful TV series and movies.
Moustafa’s impressive repertoire includes notable projects such as Gabal El Halal (El Halal Mountain) alongside the late Mahmoud Abdel Aziz and Al Khati’a (The Sin) in 2014. In 2015, she appeared in Sarayah Abdeen 2 (Abdeen Palace 2), followed by Nasiby W Qesmetak 1 (My Destiny, Your Destiny 1) in 2016. She also collaborated with the legendary Adel Emam in Ma’moun Wa Shorakah (Maemon & Co.) and starred in Al Tabal (The Drummer) and Al-Ostora (The Legend), all released during Ramadan 2016. In 2017, she acted in Nasiby W Qesmetak 2 (My Destiny, Your Destiny 2), Kalabsh (Cuffs), and Asham Iblis (Devil’s Wish) during Ramadan. The same year marked her cinematic debut with a compelling role in Mesh Rayhen Fe Dahya (We’re Not Heading into Trouble), sharing the screen with Bushra, Ahmed Salah Hosny, Nabil Issa, and Mai Selim. She also appeared in Amr Waqea (Matter of Fact) and Al-Wasiya (The Will) during Ramadan 2018 and Shadid Al Khutoura (Extremely Dangerous) in 2020 with Ahmed El Awady. With each new role, her talent and versatility shone through.
The year 2022 was also a pivotal year in Moustafa’s career, solidifying her position in the entertainment industry. This was the year she got her first leading role in the 30-episode drama series Tair Bina Ya Albi (Fly Us My Heart), and the year that saw the release of the hugely successful Arabic adaptation of the series, Suits, where she played one of its main characters, sharing the screen with luminaries such as Asser Yassin, Ahmed Dawood, and Saba Moubarak. She also starred in the 15-episode series Dopamine on CBC Channel. Furthermore, she graced the stage with a captivating performance alongside Ahmed El Sakka in the play Sayidaty Al Gamila (My Fair Lady).
Moustafa went on to make more notable contributions to the cinematic landscape, including starring in the movie Al Ankaboot (The Spider) alongside Ahmed El Sakka and Mona Zaki. She also played a significant role in the Shahid series Al Thamanya (The Eight), alongside Asser Yassin and Ghada Adel. She also delivered a standout performance in the Ramadan 2023 TV series, Sero El Batea’ (His All-Knowing Secret), alongside the iconic Hussein Fahmy, Ahmed Fahmy, Ahmed Salah El Saadany, and Hanan Metawea.
Moustafa’s favourite role to date is her portrayal of Kamelia in Suits, which she says, resonated so much with her. “My role in Suits captured my heart! I love Kamelia’s confidence, emotional intelligence, and her art of knowing when to speak and when to stay silent. She’s this wonderfully emotional person wrapped in a bundle of wisdom,” she says, with a twinkle in her eye. According to her, the role allowed her to explore the depths of human emotion and to connect with audiences on a profound level.
“To me, every role should be a journey of self-discovery, delving into emotions that leaves a lasting imprint on my soul. In each character I take on, there’s always something common between us,” she shares with a smile.
The process of selecting projects is an art, and Moustafa master this art. She looks for scripts that offer unique narratives, compelling characters, and the potential to make a meaningful impact. “It’s vital that the script captures my interest from the first read, compelling me to dive into it. That’s when I know the work will be truly worthwhile. Another crucial aspect for me in choosing roles is who I’ll be working with, even before delving into the script. I believe an actor thrives when friendship exists with the cast, considering we spend more time on set than at home,” she says, adding that it is equally important to her that the entire cast shares a common goal, “It’s not just about commercial success; it’s about sharing a common artistic goal.”
Moustafa’s ability to build chemistry with her co-actors stems from a combination of trust, open communication, and mutual respect. “Happily, all the actors I worked with throughout my career were friends before work. From Amir Karara, Akram Hosny, to Amr Youssef and Asser Yassin,” she says, adding, “Fostering genuine connections off-screen is also essential for capturing authentic performances.”
Preparing for a role is also a meticulous process involving both physical and mental dimensions for her. It requires taking a deep dive into the psyche of the role, to understand its motivations, fears, and joys. “I approach each role with a different perspective. For example, in Al-Wasiya (The Will), I was venturing into comedy for the first time, and had to defy the stereotype that blondes couldn’t be funny. Before shooting, I crafted the character from scratch—imagining her speech, body language, emotions, and intentions,” she explains.
Tapping into her own emotional experiences to evoke genuine emotions on screen, is another part of mental preparation, she adds. “For some roles, like in Shadid Al Khutoura (Extremely Dangerous), I opt for acting sessions that help in the introspection process. Drawing from personal experiences makes portrayals of characters more genuine and makes them resonate more profoundly with audiences,” she states.
Moustafa admits that she has a fondness for complex, character-driven narratives and that she tries to steer away from characters in romantic relationships, especially when emotionally charged or involving romantic scenes. “I believe this is not the best genre to showcase my talent as an actress,” she says. She is also not drawn to projects that portray human connections negatively. While acknowledging the reality of toxic relationships, she insists that art should convey a positive message. “I don’t mind taking on villainous roles, but I prefer it when the evil portrayed is justified,” she explains.
As to the pressures of being in the public eye, Moustafa says she manages these challenges by staying grounded, focusing on her craft, and surrounding herself with a supportive network of family and friends. “I have never been a fan of the spotlight. The idea of being a public figure was never something that I embraced,” she says. “Nevertheless, I’ve come to realise that when people approach me in public, it’s a genuine expression of love and a measure of success. It is a recognition of the name I’ve built for myself in the acting world and reflects rooted genuine affection from people who appreciate my work,” she adds.
Moustafa also understands that social media has intensified actors’ exposure nowadays. “Social media puts actors in front of people with different ideas, perspectives, and mentalities. You can’t control what the public thinks. You must accept that,” she points out. She approaches the topic of rumours with a similar perspective, highlighting the importance of staying committed to one’s journey, avoiding distractions, and letting one’s work convey one’s true essence. “Honestly, rumours bring a good laugh to me because they are consistently funny and quite distant from my real personality,” she says.
Shunning such distractions, Moustafa’s love for her craft, coupled with her desire to leave a lasting impact on her audience, keeps her moving forward. “I truly believe that those who work in fields they are passionate about, whether it’s acting, music, painting, or any artistic field, are incredibly lucky. It brings a level of satisfaction that’s indescribable. Witnessing the love and success that comes from pursuing your passion is truly rewarding,” she says.
On a more personal turn, Moustafa opens up about the delicate art of balancing motherhood with her demanding acting career. She describes the challenges many working moms face, but her strength and love for both parts of her life are obvious. “Thankfully, right from the start, I’ve known how to balance my personal life and work,” she asserts, adding, “This year, to maintain that balance, I made a conscious decision not to take on any projects during the Ramadan season. This will be my time to rest, focusing on my family and myself.”
Criticism, whether it’s constructive or not-so-positive, is just part of the deal in the entertainment world, and Moustafa tackles the subject with grace and resilience. “Social media puts actors in front of people with different ideas, perspectives, mentalities, and cultures. You can’t control what the public thinks. Every profession has its pros and cons, so you have to accept that,” she points out. Moustafa also sees constructive criticism as a chance to grow and is always striving to enhance her craft.
Beyond her Ramadan hiatus, Moustafa’s schedule continues to be extremely busy. “Expect to see me in Eid El Adha in Ahl El Kahf (The People of the Cave), alongside Khaled El Nabawy and Ghada Adel. Additionally, I have a 15-episode off-season series in the works with one of the platforms, and I’m currently reading a script for a movie,” says Moustafa, adding, “However, for now, as I mentioned, I’m taking a little ‘me time.’ I’m participating in acting and vocalising sessions, and even taking dancing courses.”
Enigma Questionnaire
What inspired you to become an actress?
Sherihan and Souad Hosny were the driving forces behind my aspiration to pursue acting.
Which one of your roles is the closest to your heart?
Kamilya in Suits.
Do you prefer specific types of acting roles?
I am open to different genres, with a few exceptions, such as roles that are too romanticised.
How do you build chemistry with other characters, especially in emotionally intense scenes?
Working with a cooperative cast certainly helps, especially if you know them on a personal level.
How do you handle the pressure of being in the public eye?
I have learned to accept that getting attention is a part of success.
Have you ever had to manage multiple projects?
Many times, and it is very hectic.
What upcoming projects are you currently working on?
The Ahl El Kahf (The People of the Cave) movie and a 15-episode TV series.
How do you deal with rumours?
I just laugh them off.