Kal El Naga, also known as Khaled Abol Naga, is a renowned Egyptian actor, producer, and director who has made a significant impact in the Middle Eastern and international film industries. Born in Egypt, Abol Naga has established himself as a leading talent in his generation, with a versatile career spanning film, television, theater, and radio.
Abol Naga's journey in the entertainment industry began in 1999 when he hosted a TV program on Nile Variety Channel, a pan-Arab network. He quickly gained popularity for his fresh style of hosting and interviewing celebrities. He later joined MBC TV Network in June 2001, where he continued to host and produce various shows.
As an actor, Abol Naga has received numerous awards and accolades for his performances, including Best Actor Awards at the Cairo International Film Festival, Egypt's National Film Festival, and the Festival Cinema Africain Khouribga, among others. His critically acclaimed portrayal of a terminally ill older man in "Villa 69" earned him a historic win of all the major Best Actor Awards in Egypt in 2014.
Abol Naga has also ventured into international productions, appearing in TV shows such as "Tyrant" on FX and "The Last Post" on BBC. He has also made guest appearances in shows like "Vikings" on The History Channel.
As a producer, Abol Naga has been instrumental in creating new opportunities for independent filmmakers in Egypt. He co-produced "Heliopolis" in 2009, which went on to feature in over a dozen film festivals, and produced "Microphone" in 2010, which used DSLR cameras for the first time in a feature film. He also founded "iTeam Cairo," an online agency that aims to support indie talents and filmmakers.
Abol Naga is also a social and human rights advocate, having been an early outspoken icon promoting social justice, freedom, and democratic change in Egypt and the Arab world. He played a pivotal role in supporting the Egyptian Revolution in 2011 and has a commendable record of social and human rights advocacy, particularly in child rights. He was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in Egypt from 2007 to 2015.
Throughout his career, Abol Naga has been recognized for his unique approach to acting and his ability to connect with audiences across cultures. He has been dubbed "Egypt's Brad Pitt" and "Egypt's National Treasure" for his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
