Hiam Abbass, professionally known as Hiyam Abbas, is a highly accomplished and versatile Palestinian actress and film director who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry.
Born in Nazareth, Israel, to a Muslim Arab family, Abbass spent her formative years in the charming village of Deir Hanna, where she developed a strong sense of cultural identity.
As she grew older, Abbass made the bold decision to relocate to the City of Light, Paris, where she has resided since the late 1980s and has since acquired French citizenship.
This remarkable actress has had the privilege of working on numerous projects, including the critically acclaimed film Munich (2005),directed by the renowned Steven Spielberg.
During the filming of Munich, Abbass lived alongside the Palestinian Arab and Israeli actors in a hotel for an extended period of three months, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding among the cast.
These intense and meaningful discussions not only brought the actors closer together but also helped to bridge the cultural divide between the two nations.
In a poignant interview conducted in 2006, Abbass recalled the challenges faced by the Arab actors during the filming of a pivotal scene, where they were required to portray the hostage-taking of the Israeli national team.
Despite the difficulties, Abbass's remarkable talent and dedication to her craft have earned her widespread recognition and respect within the film industry.
