Samia Al-Rahmani to Al-Nahar: Cultural diversity gave me flexibility in understanding character motivations

Young artist Samia Al-Rahmani embarks on an artistic journey that transcends geographical boundaries and ready-made stereotypes; she has moved between multiple environments and cultures, which has clearly reflected in her acting performance and granted her high flexibility in understanding the motivations of the characters she portrays with sincerity. From her participation in dramas exploring Iraqi and Arab memory and reality, to her presence in Western productions, Al-Rahmani strives to present cinema and drama that preserve identity and move beyond the usual stereotypes of the Arab actor in Hollywood. In this interview with Al-Nahar, Samia discusses her vision of the concept of passion, the behind-the-scenes details of her participation in her new series, and the development needed to bring diversity and inclusion to the Arab industry.

- How has cultural and geographical diversity influenced the formation of your identity and your acting performance in front of the camera?

- I grew up among several cultures, which made me more aware of the differences between people, and at the same time, of the human things that unite us. I believe this has given me high flexibility and the ability to adapt to different environments and styles. It also enabled me to look at character understanding from a different depth, trying to comprehend their motivations and experiences without judging them.

- Your participation in series dealing with Iraqi memory and reality carried deep human dimensions... How did you feel the impact of these works on the Arab audience?

- What affected me most is that I sensed a very personal connection among the audience to these stories. In my last work, I read messages from people who recalled stages they or their families lived through, speaking about nostalgia, pain, and losses associated with that period. This type of interaction reminds me of the importance of presenting our stories honestly, as what we see on screen may be part of the memory and experiences still present for many people.

- What does your presence in Iraqi and Arab drama in general represent to you?

- It represents an important space through which I can be close to stories, characters, and cultures I know and feel a real belonging to. At the same time, I aspire for my experience not to be confined to a single framework, but to move between Iraqi, Arab, and international projects, choosing works based on the character, the story, and the project as a whole.

- How do you see the development in the drama industry in the region in recent years?

- I see clear development in production levels and in the quality of stories that can now be presented. The audience itself has become more open to different works from various countries and cultures. I believe this phase creates a real opportunity for filmmakers and drama creators in the region to present more diverse stories.

- You have experienced working on global projects. What are the main differences you noticed in the work environment between Western and Eastern productions?

- There are differences in work methods, organization, and production scale, but I do not see a fundamental difference in the nature of the profession itself. There are many commonalities, especially regarding the importance of preparation, cooperation, and mutual respect among the crew.

- Do you see art as a real bridge to breaking the stereotype taken about the Arab actor in Hollywood and Western productions?

- Certainly. Arab presence is often reduced to stories of war, politics, or migration, despite our having experiences and cultures that are much more complex and diverse. I believe the issue is not just about breaking this stereotype, but about expanding our presence on the global screen. I aspire to reach a stage where we see Arab characters in all types of stories, including science fiction, fantasy, and action, not only in stories dealing with our region's crises.

- How do you deal with the nature of roles offered there?

- I deal with them as I deal with all opportunities presented to me, through several questions I care about: Is the character well-written? Do I feel the project aligns with what I want to present as art and its impact on the audience? Is there something in this character or story that makes me want to undertake this experience? What new challenge or distinctive step in my artistic career will this experience add to me?

- What is the main thread that attracts you to embody a specific character over others?

- I look for something that arouses my interest and curiosity. It might be a contradiction or transformation the character undergoes, or an aspect of them I feel a desire to discover. I prefer characters that do not resemble me and push me out of the ordinary to discover and present something new.

- Do expressions and body language change with language?

- Yes, certainly. Each language has its own rhythm and method of expression, which naturally reflects on voice, rhythm, and even movement. But I believe the essence and spirit of the actor appear in all cases, and the most important thing is to embody the character honestly and appropriately to their psychological state and the circumstances and world assumed in the story.

- The station or character you still aspire to present and has not been offered to you yet?

- I do not believe I have one specific character I am waiting for, but rather I aspire to roles that take me to areas I have not experienced before and in different genres. Certainly, I would like to participate in a science fiction and fantasy work, and to present an action role or a villain not commonly seen from a young actress. This type of role excites me greatly because it opens a new space for the Arab woman on the local and global screen.

- Your upcoming artistic projects you are currently working on or preparing to shoot?

- Currently, I am shooting a project for the series "Street of Arabs," a new Kuwaiti drama work that combines drama, suspense, and mystery. It is written by Susan Darwish, produced by Adel Al-Yahya, and directed by Munir Al-Zoubi. It brings together a elite of Gulf stars. I also have several projects I am currently studying, and they will certainly be announced in due time.

- A final word you address to young people passionate about entering the world of acting and international production?

- I believe the most important thing is not to make the idea of reaching abroad an end in itself, so that you submit to pressures and participate in fulfilling a certain image about our peoples from a Western perspective that does not represent us. We have seen enough of our peoples and stories reduced to stereotypes that serve Western interests and harm us. Undertake new experiences and develop yourselves. Follow the path that makes you feel passion for your work, and be patient. Do not let global acclaim be what defines success. In the end, the journey worth building and being proud of is the one that truly represents you and has a positive impact.