Ahmed Malik, the artist, emphasized that the true marketing of an artist starts with mastering their craft professionally, noting that relying on appearances or social media platforms is not enough to ensure their continuity. In his seminar held as part of the Alexandria Short Film Festival activities, Malik explained that an artist who possesses the ability to perform well and has the necessary techniques is the one who can truly market themselves correctly.
In his talk, Malik pointed out that collaborating with marketing companies requires the right strategy, but more importantly, the artist's talent should be the foundation upon which everything relies. He said, "The best marketing an artist can do for themselves is to master their tools and clearly demonstrate that in their roles, especially when entering the casting room and performing the required task with the highest level of professionalism."
Ahmed Malik stressed that fame and marketing on social media platforms or through external appearance are not enough to guarantee ongoing success. The real influence in an artist's life is their well-crafted work and good performance, which speaks for itself. He added that the artist's self-marketing ultimately depends on delivering outstanding work that remains in the memory of both the audience and critics.
Malik clarified that film festivals, such as the Alexandria Short Film Festival, offer young artists the chance to showcase their skills and present their works to a wide audience. Regarding the Alexandria Festival, which runs until May 2, Malik confirmed that the festival provides an important platform for young filmmakers from all over the world to exchange experiences and showcase short films that carry creative messages. He added that the festival represents a wonderful opportunity for new talents, as it fosters artistic dialogue between participants and the audience and provides opportunities to develop their filmmaking careers.
Furthermore, the annual festival, which was established in 2015, offers a space for artists to make their mark in the film industry, especially through the workshops and seminars organized alongside film screenings. This enhances the ability of these creators to connect with audiences interested in artistic and cinematic issues.
The current edition of the festival features a variety of activities, including film screenings showcasing short films from Egypt and around the world, as well as workshops and seminars aimed at supporting the development of young people's skills in the field of filmmaking. These workshops cover various topics related to the seventh art, from cinematography and direction to distribution and film programming. They also aim to create a network of relationships between young people and decision-makers in the film industry.
While the festival is receiving widespread attention within artistic circles, Ahmed Malik's statements highlight the most significant truth in the world of art: true success for an artist does not come through superficial promotion or marketing via modern media alone; it comes through strong and consistent artistic performance.
Ahmed Malik's announcement of his interest in the festival and attending the seminars adds another dimension to this type of festival, where participants can not only present their works but also benefit from the shared experiences between senior artists and the audience. This represents a key factor in the success of any film festival, especially when prominent figures like Ahmed Malik are brought in to shed light on the importance of craftsmanship and hard work.
It is worth mentioning that the Alexandria Short Film Festival continues to offer exceptional screenings that combine both international and local cinema, enhancing its position among film festivals in the region. The festival is considered a real opportunity for filmmakers to connect with their audiences and interact with the demands of the cinematic market in Egypt and the Arab world, while also fostering mutual understanding between creators around the globe.
In conclusion, it is clear that Ahmed Malik prioritizes the value of hard work and mastery in his artistic endeavors, which reflects his continued success in his career. This further proves that artistic maturity and dedication to work are the key factors in building a successful career in acting.