Julia Qassar is a Lebanese actress known for her unique delivery in the variety of roles she has performed.

Since her first appearance, she has performed in 21 plays, 12 films, and a number of television series and films. She has also won many awards, the last of which was best actress for her role in the movie "Shatti Ya Dini", which she received at the Malmo Arab Film Festival in Sweden.

Julia Qassar spoke with Mawtani about her theater and movie career.

Mawtani: Did you expect to get the award for best actress at the Malmo Festival for "Shatti Ya Dini"?

Julia Qassar: I was not expecting this award after the film "Shatti Ya Dini" had already received several awards, including the most recent four awards at the Rabat International Film Festival. These were the judge's award, two press awards for an Arab and International film, and the best actress award. While we were still celebrating them, we took part in the Malmo Arab Film Festival that took place in October.

Mawtani: What do these awards mean to you?

Qassar: They mean recognition, especially since things have gotten confused in Lebanon. These awards come as a reminder to those who have forgotten or have chosen to forget that there are people in Lebanon who are working and are raising its name with work that is worthy of Lebanon, which has been known for its culture and art.

Mawtani: Tell us about your role.

Qassar: I play the role of Mary, a wife who has waited for her husband's release from prison after 20 years, during which time she played the role of mother and father. When her husband returns home, he is a changed man. But she had also changed.

The film brings together women of different personalities, giving a pretty picture of the Lebanese woman, who is realistic, courageous and responsible. The film sheds light on the woman whose life does not stop during the war after losing her husband. Instead, she went on with her life, because life forces us to continue. "Shatti Ya Dini" deals with women of all denominations, who have a strong and heavy load, and have insight, and do not want the civil war to reoccur.

Mawtani: What message is the film conveying?

Qassar: It carries a message about the reality of the Lebanese woman, and what she went through during the war. In it, we also see the second generation, which differed from the mother and father's generation. This means that there was a second angle dealing with this generation and the way it dealt with the same crisis, in addition to a third one portraying the city that changed. The husband not only did not recognize his wife and his children, but he also did not recognize the city.