Bassam Kousa is an acclaimed Syrian actor, director, and writer celebrated as one of the Arab world’s most respected figures in film, television, and theatre. Over a distinguished career spanning decades, he has starred in more than a dozen feature films and countless television and radio productions, earning multiple acting awards at festivals in Paris, Cairo, Bahrain, Beirut, and Damascus.
A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus University, Kousa began his career performing on amateur and national theatre stages before becoming a leading voice in Syrian drama. He has also written and directed two feature films, A Polite Evening and Dowalek, and published a short story collection (A Stolen Text) and a novel (Much More). His contributions extend beyond performance into education and cultural leadership. He has served on the juries of major film festivals including Rotterdam, Alexandria, Oran, Tetouan, and Cairo, and has taught and supervised graduating classes at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus.
At BRIDGE Summit, Bassam Kousa will share his journey with the evolution of Arab storytelling and how film and theatre continue to inspire connection across borders.
Presence is the actor’s invisible chemistry, the fusion of emotion, awareness, and truth that makes fiction feel real. In this conversation, we explore how stillness, conviction, and empathy can dissolve performance into presence, transforming the craft of acting into a quiet form of alchemy.
Presenter, Broadcaster & Founder, Women in Sport MENA & Padel Collective
Film Director & Producer
World-Famous Egyptologist & Former Egyptian Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs
Co-Founder, M+D Advisors
Head of Europe, United Talent Agency (UTA)
“One BRIDGE to unite them all. BRIDGE Summit looks to become the largest cross-sector media event in the world.”
“A gateway for knowledge exchange.”
“A summit to BRIDGE the gaps in the global media ecosystem.”
“We are proud to take part in the inaugural edition of BRIDGE Summit.”
“Un pont pour tous les réunir.”
