GUEST OF HONOR

A Modest Charisma: Ghassan Massoud

 This year, Silk Road Film Festival’s guest of honour is famous Syrian director, actor, writer, theatre instructor and educator Ghassan Massoud. In Ridley Scott’s 2005 film “Kingdom of Heaven”, which will be presented in the “Special Screenings” of the festival, Massoud brought Salahuddin Ayyubi back to life with an unforgettable performance. This actor, who drew the attention of world cinema with his modest and unique charisma, is meeting with you at the Silk Road.

Born September 20, 1958 in Damascus, Ghassan Massoud appeared before the audience in many films in Syria. He wrote and directed the theatre play “Diplomasiyyoun”. He first made a worldwide name for himself when he played Salahuddin Ayyubi, the chief commander who conquered Jerusalem, in 2005 film “Kingdom of Heaven”. In Turkey, he is also known for Sheikh Abdurrahman Halis Kerküki role he played in 2006 film “Valley of the Wolves: Iraq”. Moreover, he appeared in “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” as Captain Ammand in 2007, and in 2009 Turkish film “Kelebek” as the Mevlevi Dede. Co-Founder of the Arab-African Center for Theatrical Research based in Tunisia, Massoud has many works in and on theatre as an actor, director, writer and instructor. He also performed in many TV series. Living in Syria, Ghassan Massoud is drama professor at both Damascus School of Music and Drama and Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts.