Mrs / Youssra

A prominent Egyptian idol, a Goodwill Ambassador, and an influential public figure, Yousra has reigned supreme across the Egyptian film and entertainment industries for more than 30 years. Since the 1970s, she has been dazzling and influencing generations with a plethora of unforgettable roles in some of the most important films in the history of Egyptian cinema, amassing more than 80 awards along with many certificates of appreciation and honors from international film events and festivals worldwide. Yousra has been dominating the film industry scene for more than 40 years now with more than 130 films, TV shows and plays to her credit.

In 2019, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (The Oscars®) invited Yousra to join its members in recognition of her rich cinematic history. Following that, she was honored by America Abroad Media (AAM) at its seventh annual Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. AAM honors outstanding leaders whose work meets international standards and exemplifies the power of media to inform, educate and empower.

A Charming Festival Fixture!
Moving from one success to another, Yousra made so many hit works in her career making her a versant face at film festivals as most of her works have been screened at almost every international film festival around the world, to name a few; TERRORISM AND KEBAB that went to Milan Film Festival, BIRDS OF DARKNESS that went to Milan Film Festival and Valencia Film festival, ALEXANDRIA.. NEW YORK that was screened at Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for a Un Certain Regard Award, and the sprawling success THE YACOUBIAN BUILDING that went to many international film festivals including The Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Yousra’s presence in the festivals is not only through her films as she is one of the advisory board members at El Gouna Film Festival and was chosen to be an Honorary President of the 39th Cairo Film Festival, and many more positions that she occupied before.

A Big Warm Heart!
Along with her many talents, Yousra is well-known for her humanitarian work, especially marginalized groups and women in the Arab world. In 2006, it was no surprise that she was chosen to be a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). At a grand celebration held in 2016, the UN chose Yousra to be a Regional UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador as she has been known for her participation in social activities with many civil society organizations. Yousra received more than 50 awards in recognition of her work as a UNDP goodwill ambassador.

Additionally, the Coptic Orphans, a non-profit organization based in Merrifield, Virginia, thanked her for contributing with her time and effort in helping the children. Also, Yousra took part in the 500-500 Ramadan campaign to support cancer patients. Recently, within her role as a Goodwill Ambassador, Yousra participated in the opening ceremony of the 16-day campaign under the theme “Orange the World: #HearMeToo; End Violence against Women and Girls” at the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in collaboration with the United Nation (UN) team concerned with the issues of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The campaign brings to the forefront the voices of women and girls who have survived violence, who are defending women’s rights every day, who are taking action—many of them very far away from the limelight or media headlines. Most recently, Yousra participated in the 3rd Awladna International Forum for Arts of the Gifted that aims to provide the gifted children with special needs with a platform to enrich and showcase their artistic talents and empower them and their families. During the opening ceremony, Yousra performed her new song “Anta Qadha” (You Can Do it) amidst a large number of children with special needs on stage. Moreover, Yousra was chosen to be a board member of the Boutros Ghali Foundation for Peace and Knowledge.