AMMAN — Jordanian actress
Sameera Alasir is one of few Jordanian actresses who have achieved international acclaim. The actress took to the silver screen last
Ramadan to act in two series that were broadcast globally.
اضافة اعلان
Alasir received her bachelor’s degree in theater from the
Lebanese American University, and began working professional shortly after returning to Jordan. “I have wanted to become an actress ever since I was a kid,” she said in an interview with Jordan News. “Coming from Palestinian-English origin, I wanted to build bridges between both cultures.”
However, opportunities for actors are scarce in Jordan compared to other places such as Europe, according to Alasir. COVID-19 has also affected the industry, much like it did most other economic sectors.
“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of (events) have been postponed,” she said, adding that laxer measures have allowed actors to go back to work, but only if they take PCR tests and wear masks around the set.
“I had a project in Cairo that was postponed three times before things (eventually) worked out,” Alasir explained.
“What has happened because of COVID-19 is especially bad, because people need more content to watch. We need to offer the arts more support because entertainment is necessary at this time, and in Jordan actors don’t really receive enough backing,” Alasir went on.
But Alasir believes that things are finally looking up in the Kingdom as the pandemic’s grip on the country grows weaker. She noted that Jordanian actors are finally starting to receive international acclaim, noting that only two of the six films, which she took part of in Jordan, were locally produced.
Alasir has just finished working on two international series, “Cairo Kabul;” filmed in the Egyptian capital and, “Hajma Mortadda;” filmed in Jordan. “I think Jordanian movies deserve to feature on international platforms,” she said, pointing to her experience working on films from across the region, including 2017’s Roof Knocking, which won awards at the Cairo Film Festival.
“I believe that if you put your mind to something, you’ll make it no matter where or who you are, especially nowadays, when everything is online. You can audition from anywhere around the world,” she said.
The recent war against Gaza has also influenced Alasir’s view on the place films can hold in people’s hearts mean to people, including some of hers, which highlight the Palestinian cause.
“I think it’s really important because sometimes movies educate people on what is really happening. Most importantly, it needs to be truthful,” she said.
“I am cautious about the roles I take on to avoid going against anything I believe in…,” Alasir said
“The most important thing is to keep going,” she said. “If you believe you’ll make it, you have to keep fighting for your passion. You’re going to hear so many ‘noes’ in the beginning, but then when you keep on trying, you will make it. Don’t be afraid and never give up.”
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