Najwa Sarkis

Najwa Sarkis is a renowned Lebanese actress, born in Beirut, who has gained significant recognition for her work in Arabic cinema, particularly in Egyptian cinema and Syrian cinema. She has collaborated with prominent directors such as Youssef Chahine and Henry Barakat, and has shared the screen with notable actors like Omar Sharif and Faten Hamama. Her career has been marked by appearances in various Middle Eastern film productions, including those from Jordanian cinema and Palestinian cinema. Najwa Sarkis has also worked with esteemed institutions like the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Arab League.

● Early Life and Education

Najwa Sarkis was born into a family of artists, with her mother being a talented belly dancer who performed at various Cairo nightclubs, including the famous Cairo Opera House. She began her education at the Lebanese American University, where she studied theater arts and drama, alongside other aspiring actors like Nadine Labaki and Adel Karam. During her time at the university, she was exposed to the works of influential playwrights such as Tawfiq al-Hakim and Naguib Mahfouz, which had a profound impact on her acting style. Najwa Sarkis also attended workshops and seminars organized by the Institut français du Proche-Orient and the British Council, which further honed her skills.

● Career

Najwa Sarkis's career in acting spans over two decades, during which she has appeared in a wide range of films, including dramas like The Yacoubian Building and comedies like Ahlam al-Madina. She has worked with acclaimed directors such as Samir Nasri and Rachid Masharawi, and has shared the screen with talented actors like Hiam Abbass and Makram Khoury. Her performances have been recognized by organizations like the Cairo International Film Festival and the Dubai International Film Festival, which have showcased her films alongside those of other notable directors like Yousry Nasrallah and Annemarie Jacir. Najwa Sarkis has also collaborated with production companies like Misr International Films and Rotana Studios, which have supported her work in the Middle Eastern film industry.

● Filmography

Najwa Sarkis's filmography includes a diverse range of films, such as The Dupes and The Curse, which have been screened at festivals like the Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival. She has also appeared in television series like Bab al-Hara and Tash ma Tash, which have been broadcast on channels like MBC and LBCI. Her films have been distributed by companies like Arab Radio and Television Network and Orbit Communications Company, which have helped to promote her work across the Arab world. Najwa Sarkis has also worked on films that have been supported by institutions like the European Union and the Ford Foundation, which have provided funding for various Middle Eastern film projects.

● Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Najwa Sarkis has received numerous awards and nominations for her performances, including the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival and the Best Actress award at the Carthage Film Festival. She has been recognized by organizations like the Arab Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Egyptian Society of Film Writers and Critics, which have acknowledged her contributions to the Arabic cinema. Najwa Sarkis has also been honored with awards like the Order of the Cedar and the Order of Merit (Lebanon), which have been presented to her by the Lebanese government and the Syrian government. Her work has been celebrated at festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival, which have showcased her films alongside those of other acclaimed directors like Hany Abu-Assad and Elia Suleiman.

● Personal Life

Najwa Sarkis is married to a Lebanese businessman and has two children, who have been involved in various philanthropic activities, including work with organizations like the Red Cross and the United Nations Children's Fund. She has been involved in various charity events, including those organized by the Lebanese Red Cross and the Syrian Red Crescent. Najwa Sarkis has also been a supporter of causes like the Palestinian refugee crisis and the Syrian civil war, and has worked with institutions like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Her personal life has been influenced by her experiences working with notable figures like Ralph Nader and Amr Moussa, who have been involved in various human rights and social justice initiatives.