🎬 During an in-depth masterclass at the Alexandria Short Film Festival, acclaimed director Yousry Nasrallah presented a powerful reflection on filmmaking, stating clearly that the director should never be considered “the center of the universe,” but rather a part of a much larger creative system.
🔹 He emphasized that filmmaking is fundamentally a collective craft, where every role—from actors to technicians—contributes to shaping the final artistic result. According to him, harmony on set is more important than hierarchy.
🔹 Nasrallah highlighted his collaborations with several directors of photography, including Rameses Marzouk, Samir Bahzan, and Timour Timour, noting that the most successful partnerships occur when the cinematographer becomes a true creative partner rather than a technical executor 📸.
🔹 He explained that film sets often carry invisible tensions, where control struggles can affect the overall energy of the crew. Maintaining a healthy and collaborative environment, he said, is essential for achieving authentic cinematic results.
🔹 The director also stressed the importance of timing in performance, preferring to wait until actors are fully emotionally and physically ready before filming a scene. For him, cinema is about capturing genuine human moments rather than forcing execution 🎭.
🔹 Nasrallah further pointed out the importance of “invisible roles” on set, noting that he often pays attention to the machinist first after a take, as they are deeply attuned to the rhythm and precision of each shot.
🎥 The session was part of a broader masterclass titled “Casting the Director’s Team On and Off Camera,” moderated by actor Sabry Fawaz, as part of the festival’s 12th edition running from April 27 to May 2.
