• Arab actors need a clear and visible presence on digital platforms to reach global audiences

• Casting experts emphasize continuous training, using online platforms, and submitting self-taped auditions to ensure equal opportunities

A panel discussion titled "The Art and Impact of Casting for Global Roles" was held as part of the 8th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, moderated by actress Jihad Hossam El-Din

The panel included Cassandra Han, President of the Casting Society of America (CSA), Claudia Plant, Secretary-General of the CSA branch, and Rozaline Bayeh, an Egyptian actress, writer, and producer living abroad

Several Egyptian stars attended the session, including Karim Qassem, Basant Shawky, and Sedky Sakhr, in an interactive discussion addressing the challenges Arab actors face in reaching global roles

Jihad Hossam El-Din opened the discussion by asking why Egyptian and Arab actors are largely absent from the international stage

Cassandra Han explained that the world today is more open to different languages and cultures, noting that global audiences now consume content in multiple languages such as Korean and Spanish

She added, What we need today is to make Egyptian actors more visible and accessible to casting directors abroad, ensuring their names are easy to find on global platforms

Claudia Plant highlighted that the real challenge lies in the limited global exposure of Egyptian actors, adding, What’s needed is an infrastructure in the Arab region to help market actors internationally

Rozaline Bayeh shared her experience between Egypt, London, and the United States, saying, When I say I’m Egyptian, people immediately think of Cleopatra or Omar Sharif." She added, "The more present we become, the greater our chance to be ourselves, not just the image others imagine of us

The session also addressed professional aspects of casting

Cassandra emphasized that fair selection requires using online platforms that allow actors to apply directly

Claudia pointed out that self-taped auditions have become the global standard, as they open doors to talents from different countries and provide equal opportunities

Jihad stressed the importance of continuous training, while Claudia highlighted that actors should familiarize themselves with the styles of directors and casting professionals worldwide to understand their artistic requirements