1. Overview
Aïcha Ben Ahmed (عائشة بن أحمدArabic; born 7 February 1989) is a prominent Tunisian actress who has achieved recognition across film, television, and theater. She gained significant fame in Tunisia through her role as Nadia in the 2012 television series Pour les beaux yeux de Catherine. Ben Ahmed has also established a successful career in Egyptian cinema, appearing in several notable films such as Saint Augustin, The Cell, and Zizou. Her performance as Hind in Narcisse, Aziz Rouhou earned her the Best Actress award at the 2016 Al Hoceïma Film Festival in Morocco.
2. Biography
Aïcha Ben Ahmed's personal background and early experiences significantly shaped her path into the performing arts.
2.1. Early Life and Education
Born on 7 February 1989, Aïcha Ben Ahmed is the daughter of a Tunisair captain. Her father's profession provided her with the unique opportunity to travel extensively due to complimentary tickets, broadening her worldview from a young age. In her youth, she was actively involved in dance, performing with the Sihem Belkhodja group. Pursuing her artistic inclinations, she later studied graphic art and publicity at the Ecole d'Art et de Décoration in Tunis.
2.2. Early Career
Ben Ahmed commenced her acting career in 2010 with a minor role in Nada Mezni Hafaiedh's feature film Histoires tunisiennes. The following year, she secured a part in the Syrian film Mon dernier ami, directed by Joud Said. In 2012, she rose to prominence in Tunisia through her portrayal of Nadia in the television series Pour les beaux yeux de Catherine. This role made her a well-known figure across the country. Subsequently, in 2013, she played the character Zohra in Mohamed Damak's Tunisian feature film Jeudi après-midi.
3. Career
Aïcha Ben Ahmed's career spans across various mediums, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to acting.
3.1. Career in Egypt
In 2015, Aïcha Ben Ahmed transitioned her career to Egypt, marking a significant turning point in her professional journey. Her debut in the Egyptian industry was in Raouf Abdel Aziz's television series Les Mille et une nuits, where she was specifically chosen for the role of Qamar Zamen, an amnesiac character striving to uncover her identity.
Her performance as the heroine, Hind, in Sonia Chamkhi's film Narcisse (known in Arabic as Aziz Rouhou), was particularly acclaimed for its effectiveness. This role led to her winning the Best Actress award at the 2016 Al Hoceïma Film Festival in Morocco. Also in 2016, she appeared in Férid Boughédir's film Ziou, also known as Parfum de printemps, which went on to win the "best film" prize at the 2016 Cairo Film Festival.
In 2017, Ben Ahmed continued her work in Egypt, playing Nuha in Tarek Al Eryan's film The Cell. She also took on starring roles in two Egyptian television series: as Layla in Aigle de la Haute Egypte, a role that required her to master the local accent, and as a terrorist in Flèches filantes. Her role in the 2019 film The Money was considered a significant step in her cinematic career.
3.2. Filmography
Aïcha Ben Ahmed has built an extensive filmography across cinema, television, and TV films.
3.2.1. Cinema
- 2011: Tunisian Stories (حكايات تونسيةArabic) by Nada Mezni Hafaiedh
- 2012: Mon dernier ami (صديقي الأخيرArabic, My Last Friend) by Joud Saïd and Fares Al Zahabi
- 2013: Jeudi après-midi (Thursday afternoon) by Mohamed Damak and Tarek Ben Chaâban: Zohra
- 2015: Narcisse (Narcissus) by Sonia Chamkhi: Hend
- 2016: Parfum de printemps (Spring perfume) by Férid Boughedir: Khadija
- 2017: Saint Augustin, le fils de ses larmes (Saint Augustine, the son of his tears) by Samir Seïf and Sameh Samy: Monica
- 2017: The Cell by Tarek Al Eryan and Salah El Geheiny: Nouha, Amr's wife
- 2019: The Money (الفلوسarz) by Said El Marouk, Wael Nabil, Mohammed Abd Elmoaty and Tamer Hosny: Hayla
- 2020: Taw'am Rouhy (My Soulmate) by Othman Abou Laban and Amani Tounsi: Alia, May, Malak, Hana
- 2021: Ritsa by Ahmed Yousry and Moatz Fteha: Ritsa
3.2.2. Television
Aïcha Ben Ahmed has appeared in numerous television series, both in Tunisia and internationally.
3.2.3. TV Films
- 2012: Barabbas by Roger Young: Mary of Bethany
3.3. Theater
In 2013, Aïcha Ben Ahmed performed in the play Zanket Ensé. This production was a Tunisian adaptation of the "Divorced Family" stage play, directed by Sami Montacer, with contributions from Noomen Hamda and Fatma Bennour.
3.4. Broadcast Appearances
Beyond her acting roles, Aïcha Ben Ahmed has made several guest appearances on various television programs and talk shows:
- 2013: El Zilzal (An Earthquake) (episode 15) on El Hiwar El Tounsi: Guest
- 2013: Dhouk Tohsel (Bite a Piece) (episode 2) on Tunisna TV: Guest
- 2014: Maakom with Mona El-Shazly on CBC: Guest
- 2018: 90 Minutes on Mehwar TV: Guest
- 2020: Take care of Fifi with Fifi Abdou on MBC Masr and MBC 5: Guest
- 2021: Five Stars on MBC Masr: Guest
4. Awards and Recognition
Aïcha Ben Ahmed has received notable accolades for her acting performances:
- In 2016, she won the Best Actress award at the Al Hoceïma Film Festival in Morocco for her compelling portrayal of Hind in the film Narcisse, Aziz Rouhou.
5. Impact and Reception
Aïcha Ben Ahmed's performances have garnered significant critical reception and contributed to her influence within the entertainment industry, particularly in Tunisia and Egypt. Her role as Nadia in the 2012 Tunisian television series Pour les beaux yeux de Catherine played a crucial part in establishing her widespread recognition in her home country. Her subsequent move to Egypt in 2015 marked a successful expansion of her career into the wider Arab world. Her portrayal of the heroine in Sonia Chamkhi's Narcisse (Aziz Rouhou) was particularly effective, earning her an international acting award and highlighting her ability to deliver impactful performances. Furthermore, her appearance in Ziou (Parfum de printemps), a film that received the "best film" prize at the 2016 Cairo Film Festival, underscores her involvement in critically acclaimed projects. Her role in the 2019 film The Money was also considered a significant milestone in her cinematic journey, further solidifying her status as a prominent actress.