Emirati Actor Mohamed Faisal Mostafa Eyes Hollywood Stardom While Championing Local Film Industry

On the set of Dune: Part Three, Emirati actor Mohamed Faisal Mostafa observed the dedication of stars like Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, and Jason Momoa, drawing inspiration for his own aspirations. Witnessing their commitment to learning lines, their work ethic, and their interactions with others, Mostafa felt a surge of determination. "I sat back and I saw it all and I said to myself: ‘This is not unattainable.’ I can be there and, inshallah, I will be there so long as I keep consistent," he shared.

Initially joining the production as a stunt performer, Mostafa's acting talent was recognized by director Denis Villeneuve, who created opportunities for him to appear on camera. As filming concluded, Mostafa expressed his gratitude to Villeneuve, who responded, "Mohamed, there’s no need to thank me. You’re a natural. You’re a very talented actor." This validation fueled Mostafa's ambition to not only pursue a Hollywood career but also to contribute to the growth of the UAE's film industry.

The memory of Villeneuve's words still gives Mostafa goosebumps, a testament to a lifelong dream. His early exposure to filmmaking began at a young age, performing stunts for his brother, director Ali Mostafa, in home movies. This early fearlessness and collaboration have evolved into a strong, enduring bond, with Mostafa often referring to his brother as "my brother, my teacher and my friend."

However, film was not always Mostafa's sole focus. His diverse career path included professional football, finance, running a digital transformation agency, and involvement in his family's business. Despite the potential for a more predictable career in business, Mostafa felt compelled to pursue the more challenging path of acting. "I think you need to find an area of focus if you want to succeed," he stated.

Dedicating himself fully to acting has made the auditions sent by his UK agent feel more significant. He understands that a major production can lead to further opportunities. Yet, he is discerning about the roles he accepts, often declining offers that perpetuate stereotypes of Arabs, even if they are from major studios. "Trust me, it is not easy to say no to these because some of them are massive, life-changing projects," he admitted. "I love acting, and it’s the only thing I do right now. It’s also what’s going to generate me income, put food on my table and support my future."

Mostafa feels a profound responsibility to challenge negative stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of Emiratis and Muslim Arabs. He believes that the roles he chooses have implications beyond his personal career, impacting his country's reputation. "It’s part of who I am," he explained. "It’s every action I do in the morning, when I wake up. I want to prove something to my family, my country, our leaders, myself."

His ambition extends to nurturing the film industry in the UAE. With the return of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) on December 8 and the upcoming release of Dune: Part Three, Mostafa has established MFM Media in Abu Dhabi. The company focuses on production services, product placement, and Emirati talent management, aiming to facilitate film production and provide emerging performers with the industry connections he once lacked. He envisions a future where aspiring Emirati actors have more support and opportunities within the UAE before seeking international careers.

Mostafa's journey into film was a gradual one. After a career as a goalkeeper for Al Ain and Al Wasl was cut short by injuries, he continued his collaboration with his brother Ali, appearing in films like City of Life (2009), From A to B (2014), and The Worthy (2016). He also starred in the successful Emirati military action film Al Kameen (2021).

An open audition for Disney's live-action Aladdin (2019) offered a glimpse into the potential reach of acting. Although he didn't secure the role, the experience solidified his resolve. "I realised that this can actually happen, and that I love acting and I’m not bad at it. So I had to keep going," he said.

Securing representation in the UK involved persistent effort. His role as Abdullah, a Dubai air-traffic controller in the Apple TV thriller Hijack, marked a significant international opportunity. During filming, he found that the pressure of the production, akin to his football days, sharpened his performance. "There’s nerves, but they’re nice nerves – the nerves that lock you in," he remarked upon the show's release in 2023.

In the 2024 television drama Khattaf, directed by his brother Ali, Mostafa took on a lead role, portraying an Emirati fighter. His background in sports and Muay Thai training proved invaluable for the fight choreography. He dedicated himself to embodying the character, drawing on personal experiences to convey emotion authentically. "I wasn’t thinking for a second about Mohamed. I was thinking about Khattaf, and I had tears rolling down my face, and I felt and I became," he explained. "That’s what acting is. Acting is becoming."

Mostafa seeks roles that allow for such deep character immersion and are central to the narrative. His experience across projects like Hijack, Khattaf, and Dune has prepared him for the next stage of his career. He emphasizes that his success is a result of hard work, not just luck. "At some point, you have to realise you’re there for a reason. You were chosen," he stated.

His faith plays a significant role in his career choices. He aims to counter the negative associations of terms like "Allahu akbar" in Western media, explaining its true meaning of gratitude and service. "Allahu akbar is the most beautiful term," he said. "The direct definition of it is God is the greatest. No matter what happens in our life, we constantly remind ourselves that this is God’s plan, and He is greatest." He defines jihad as any act of service or sacrifice, highlighting the positive connotations often overlooked.

Mostafa is proactive in creating opportunities, establishing MFM with support from Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority. He recognizes the challenges facing filmmakers, particularly regarding funding. "The biggest problem I’m seeing is funding," he noted. He is working to educate investors about the film business to foster collaborations and support independent filmmaking. His goal is to ensure that future Emirati actors have more opportunities within the UAE, mirroring the support he now aims to provide through MFM.

Reflecting on the premiere of City of Life at DIFF in 2009, Mostafa sees the festival's return as a significant platform for the industry. He is confident in his ability to lead a blockbuster film and is committed to pushing boundaries. "I’m confident enough to know I can be in a blockbuster film as one of the main cast," he asserted. "I just need to keep pushing, but I know I can do it." His enduring fearlessness, honed since childhood, now drives his ambition to represent the UAE on a global stage as a leading actor, fully aware of the responsibility and dedication required.