El Sawy & L’Abidine unite acting and writing at SIBF 2025

The session will take place on Saturday, 8 November, in the ballroom of Expo Centre Sharjah, as part of the fair’s flagship Art and Literature Programme. Both artists will reflect on how years spent in front of the camera have sharpened their narrative instincts, shaping their views on art, life, and humanity. The discussion promises an intimate exploration of the creative link between performance and literature.

Literature is at the core of artistic creation

Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, highlighted the fair’s aim to showcase artists who work in both acting and writing, reaffirming literature’s vital role in the cultural and creative landscape.

“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 a testament to that truth,” said Al Mujaini.

She added, “Through this year’s Art and Literature programme, we emphasise the creative connection between screen and page. It enables audiences to see how the book remains essential to the artistic process—an idea that perfectly aligns with this year’s theme, ‘Between You and a Book.’”

Khaled El Sawy: writing with the precision of performance

Renowned Egyptian actor, playwright, and poet Khaled El Sawy is a prominent voice in contemporary Arab cinema and theatre. His artistic journey began with writing long before he gained fame on screen. His works, including "Horses" and "The Diary of Eternity," are celebrated for their sharp language, profound emotion, and social insight.

In 2024, he reaffirmed his literary identity with Atlal, a powerful mixture of intellectual depth and creative passion. For El Sawy, writing is a natural extension of performance—driven by the same precision, intent, and emotional resonance that characterise his work as an actor.

Dhafer L’Abidine: building cinema from the page up

Tunisian actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Dhafer L’Abidine exemplifies the modern Arab creative who moves smoothly between acting and writing. His debut feature Ghodwa (2021), which he wrote, directed, and starred in, won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cairo International Film Festival and was later acquired by Netflix, affirming his status as a storyteller with vision and purpose.

He followed it with 'To My Son', which won Best Film and received a special mention for screenplay at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival. Working across both Arab and international markets—from Damien Chazelle's The Eddy to regional hits like Sweetness of the World and Bride of Beirut—L’Abidine sees cinema as both a literary and visual craft, grounded in the written word.

Art and literature at SIBF 2025

The Art and Literature Programme at SIBF 2025 unites prominent artists, musicians, and writers from across the globe, highlighting how artistic and musical expression continues to influence worldwide culture.

The programme spotlights performers whose creative journeys showcase the lasting strength of language and storytelling, illustrating that the written word is central to every excellent performance.