Playing Aya in My Heart – Ya Albi was a pivotal role for me. Part of the joy of being an actor is exploring the depths of another being, creating a life and making it real…hoping to do service to the story and writing. It is a joy to do this even when it is difficult. Becoming Aya was difficult. Not only because she is so far removed from me, but also because it was personal and the subject matter important.

I am part Syrian. Since this war has started over 6 years ago, I have mostly ignored it and the news. Knowing I have family there, it was easier to block it out than face the overwhelming reality and feel helpless. I’ve spoken to family on the phone while hearing missiles in the background as they laugh it off (because what else is there to do?), I have family that are refugees, I have family members that have been killed, I have family that left Syria and some that left and then went back because it was better to be “home” than wherever they ended up… it’s difficult but it’s life. Their life. Aya’s life. When I took on this role, I knew I had to stop blocking the reality out and learn all I can. I was nervous about doing the story justice, about speaking another language on screen for the first time, about portraying a different religion but in the end it came down to the heart of the matter… the heart of Aya. Who is this lady and what is her purpose? Aya is kind and strong and brave and very thankful… I can’t solve world conflicts or end wars but I can be true to a single person and her story and that’s what I hope I accomplished with this role. I couldn’t have done it without the incredible team behind the film.

I came on board when Christine approached me with the idea. Honestly, I would’ve accepted any role she wrote for me or wanted me for – I have a great admiration and respect for her work and had wanted to work with her for years. The subject matter put it over the top for me. I love acting, period. All roles, well most roles. But when I get to also tell a story that matters… when my humanitarian side gets some satisfaction in knowing that I am a part of something that means something… that helps others (hopefully).. that is truly all I can ask for in my work. I’ve been asking myself why an Oscar means so much. I’ve always wanted one… but why? What does it mean? And I realized that what I really want is doors to open so I can do more of this and on a larger scale, for as long as I can. So I have the opportunity to take on beautiful roles in wonderful stories and have them watched by as many people around the world as possible. I want to be a voice for all the different Aya’s out there. I want to make a difference. How lucky I am to get chances to do that while doing something I love…