RIYADH: Hollywood star Johnny Depp took center stage at the third edition of the Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh, where he delivered a masterclass titled “The Genius of Embodying Different Roles.”
The session, hosted by Saudi actress and filmmaker Fatima Al-Banawi, offered a rare glimpse into Depp’s creative process, philosophy of acting, and his reflections on a more-than-four-decade career.
Opening his talk, Depp expressed gratitude for returning to Saudi Arabia, a country he described as “vibrant, young, and full of promise.” He praised the Kingdom’s growing film scene and its ambition to nurture emerging talent.
“I think Saudi Arabia is in a moment of extraordinary artistic evolution,” he said. “There’s something genuine and raw about what’s happening here. You can feel that people are creating because they truly love it.”
In the hour-long masterclass, Depp reflected on his approach to acting and the craft of storytelling. He spoke about his early insecurities, the struggles of being misunderstood, and the importance of maintaining creative authenticity in an industry that often prioritizes commercial success over artistry.
