Talk – Arabian Nights in World Cinema: A Story of Fantasy and Discovery

Date: Monday 28 April 2025
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Venue: SUAD Campus
Open to public

Abstract

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is one of the world’s most important cultural platforms that brings different cultures together with the goal of promoting the love of reading, spreading culture and knowledge locally, regionally, and globally.
This year, the Fair provides limitless opportunities for inspiration, knowledge, and entertainment, as well as unique experiences and comprehensive programmes.
On the occasion of the 34th edition of the Book Fair, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is thrilled to be part of its “Educational Roadshow”, a special programme that brings select sessions from the Book Fair to university campuses, to extend the fair’s reach beyond its original venue.

On Monday 28th of April, join us for an enchanting talk, “Arabian Nights in World Cinema: A Story of Fantasy and Discovery”, with Mena Massoud, Canadian-Egyptian actor best known for his role in Disney’s Aladdin (2019) and founder of the Ethnically Diverse Artists Foundation, which supports underrepresented artists.

About the Speaker

Mena Massoud

Mena Massoud is an Egyptian-born Canadian actor. He made his film debut in the 2017 Canadian dramatic thriller Ordinary Days. His breakthrough came with playing the title character in the Disney fantasy film Aladdin (2019), which earned him nominations for a Teen Choice Award and two National Film & TV Awards.
He also had roles in the Canadian drama series Open Heart (2015), the series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018) and the series Reprisal (2019). He starred in The Royal Treatment (2022) and the horror film The Sacrifice Game (2023), the latter of which he also executive produced.

In September 2019, he was appointed an ambassador by Egypt’s Ministry of Migration for their new “Speak Egyptian” initiative, with the goal of preserving the Egyptian identity of those living abroad.
Later that year, he launched the not-for-profit Ethnically Diverse Artists Foundation to help Canadian artists from underrepresented groups jumpstart their careers through securing mentors, training, headshots and includes support for actors, musicians, and visual artists.

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Please fill-in the registration form below to confirm your participation on campus