Khaled Abol Naga is a 360 media man. Actor, director, producer, activist, broadcaster he does it all. And with such optimistic energy. His multi-award winning film Microphone, a film created to promote young Egyptian artists, opens the Film Africa festival next month, where he will be in attendance to give a special presentation. Read our quick chat with him after the trailer.
AfriPOP!: Is there anything that you *can’t* do? Wearing several hats in one film (like you’ve done with Microphone), is that something you prefer to do? Is it easy for you to sit still and simply be directed?
Khaled Naga: It was a very special experience, Microphone. I usually wear one hat at one time. A little secret about film production: during shooting you can choose ONLY ONE hat. While shooting as an actor, I give the producer responsibilities to others (that’s why I co-produce if I’m acting. I never act and produce solely a project). Writing is a phase earlier than both so it works out on its own. But I like to work in a group always. That’s how Microphone worked. And it’s becoming my trend really.
And yes, there is a lot of work to be done for an actor alone that even if (that’s all I am doing), it fills my life before and during shooting. And most times it takes time to get out of that mode or character really, if ever!!
Have you done film work in America or does that interest you at all?
Yes I made Civic Duty released in 2007. (It is) an indie that I felt was very compelling and challenging, if not the most challenging performance ever for me because I had to keep the character honest on many different accounts, had to be very smart and clear and potent to the human being watching but ambiguous to the news reporter watching! The plot points a finger at the media so the more media-oriented you are the more unsettling it becomes
Is it safe to assume that as you were in the midst of the Egyptian revolution as it unfolded, you will produce a film or documentary based on or inspired by it?
Yes! It’s called Tahrir el Tahrir 25 Jan 2011-2012
How are you feeling about the situation in Egypt currently?
Do you think the events were a spin off for an interest in Egypt that could lead the world to learn more about Egyptian arts and cinema?
It’s very clear to me that no one can ever rule in Egypt as before. Now it’s the people who are moving things forward. Egyptians did not oust Mubarak, they ousted fear. That’s why I’m very optimistic that the multitude will win no matter what. 
What were some of the most remarkable things that you discovered whilst it was all happening (good or bad)?
Watch my new project
Tell us about Team-Cairo and why it is necessary.
Team-Cairo is a pool of independent film makers who love Film and we are re-inventing or at least re- questioning the ways we make film now that the technology allows way more than we used to have before. We started the seed for Team-Cairo almost a year before the revolution. Now it’s becoming clear we are in the midst of a film making revolution as well. Microphone is a clear example.
