Christine Solomon is an established Canadian Egyptian actress who just recently promoted her latest film, Heliopolis at the Toronto International Film Festival and VIFF. Canadians can see her next in the film, “Fakers” in 2010. She is making her mark across the world, so get to know Christine below before she takes the US by storm.

Photo Credit: Kim Doucet

Can you talk about the pros and cons of living in Canada and Egypt?
The biggest advantage of living in Egypt is the weather. It felt great waking up every morning to a beautiful sunny day. I still miss it!

The big difference between Canada and Egypt is the economy. In Canada our wages fluctuate according to the market. However in Egypt when the market goes up, the salary stays the same. This is a major concern which explains why there really isn’t much middle-class in Egypt.

Another major difference is that in North America we live in a fast paced world. Things take time in Egypt. In my latest Egyptian film, Heliopolis, the director Ahmad Abdalla demonstrate this issue.

How many languages do you speak and are you interested in learning any others? Which is your first language and when did you learn the other languages that you can speak?
I am fluent in Arabic, French and English. I am at the moment learning Hindi. I believe Arabic was the first language I was introduced to when I was a baby. As I grew older, French and English followed. Once my family immigrated to Canada, when I was seven, I neglected my Arabic which explains why I can’t read and write in Arabic.

What about Egyptian culture would you like to share with those not familiar with this culture?
I wasn’t familiar with the Egyptian culture too much until I lived there. Since my family and I were living in Canada, my parents wanted me to embrace the Canadian culture.

Family values are very important to Egyptians so as respecting your elders. Egyptians from Egypt loves to compliment and loves to be complimented. If you get invited for dinner and you get too full after you finished your meal (which most probably you will do!), make sure to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating. Otherwise they will keep filling it up for you!

Are you interested in appearing on Broadway and if so, what would be your dream Broadway role?
There are so many roles I would love to play, but I have always had a desire to play Velma Kelly in Chicago.

What attracted you to the film, Heliopolis?
It is an honest story and not to mention superbly written! The film’s central message is that everyone is striving to get to their goals, but nothing happens. It is like, “Welcome to Cairo” in a sense, about how things take time, and how slow things take in the city.

The film’s mission is to help raise awareness amongst Egyptian society and how they can all take action and ultimately make a difference if they want a change to happen.

What was the audition process like?
I wasn’t asked to audition for the film. The director asked to meet with me and hoped I would get on board. After reading just a few pages of the script, I immediately called the director, Ahmad Abdalla and told him that I would be delighted to work with him on his project. The script was simply too good to pass up.

What was your favorite part about being part of the film, Heliopolis?
There were so many wonderful moments but if I have to narrow them down it would be working with such an open minded director like Ahmad Abdallla and…that I got to play a gothic character that was never before seen in an Egyptian film. It was a great privilege!

What did you learn from the director of Heliopolis, Ahmad Abdalla while filming?
Ahmad Abdalla is a passionate director and a great person to work with. He made the entire experience for everyone so easy going, enjoyable and most importantly stress free. I have learned quite a few things from Ahmad but most importantly Ahmad taught me a lot about Heliopolis and the history of Heliopolis.

Explain your character in the upcoming TV movie, Fakers and compare and contrast the character with yourself.
I play a better seen exotic dancer who upsets a counterfeiting operation plotted by Andrew Francis (The L Word, X-Men Evolution) and Greyston Holt (Durham County). All I can say is…she is nothing like me.

How did you get involved in supporting Breast Cancer Foundation and Make Poverty History?
I was first introduced to Make Poverty History by a friend. He was wearing a white band on his wrist. When I had asked him what it stood for, he told me about the organization. Ever since that day, I have been a true supporter and encourage others to sign up. I felt the need to spread the word and raise awareness. I made T-shirts with the slogan “Join Make Poverty History” and gave it to all my friends to wear. Donating and participating in some events is also part of the involvement.

In regards to The Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer runs in my family. Therefore it became inevitable for me to support such a charity. To me, it’s all about lending a hand when it’s needed.

When can actors expect your acting career consultancy boutique, Muze to open and where would it be based?
Muze will be based in Montreal however anyone can have access to our services through the official site coming soon. Due to all the film festivals that I have been attending to promote Heliopolis, the opening has been delayed. Muze will hopefully open next year.

You talk about your love for Bollywood on your blog, how did you get into Bollywood and how has it made an impact on you?
I was introduced to Bollywood movies at a very early age by my parents. As everyone knows, Hindi cinema is big in Egypt and Amitabh Bachchan enjoys an iconic presence there. It was therefore natural for me to be introduced to Bollywood through my parents, who themselves are big fans of Mr. Bachchan. I still remember my first Bollywood film – it was “Mard” starring Amitabh Bachchan in an action role. I believe I watched this film over ten zillion times during my early childhood years and can clearly remember each and every scene in the film! I’ve always felt a strong connection to India and can’t wait to visit…and hopefully work with Amitabh Bachchan!

Are you interested in writing, producing, or directing?
I want to do everything! After all, I am an Aquarius so I tend to be very unpredictable and can’t stand one place for too long before my need for change and adventure takes over.

What do you think is the most important quality to have as an actress?
The ability to listen. This differentiates a good actor from a bad one.