Daily Inspiration: Meet Kenza Mouahidi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenza Mouahidi.

Hi Kenza, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been attracted to the film industry since my childhood, but my role models were from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. I grew up in Morocco and lived in France. I got into the craft in 2017 in Vienna with a coach from LA who told me, “What the F.. are you waiting for to come to LA!” These are the words I needed to hear loud and from somebody else than my inner voice. Except you don’t move to the US as easily as said or seen in the movies. You just don’t sell your car and take the next bus to your destination unless you’re already in the country. There are administrative and financial logistics to take care off. I also needed to explain to my hundred dance school students that I was going after my dreams and …. with myself only.

Meanwhile, I studied my acting craft, trained with film students and young directors, got two co-stars (Mirage Serie and No Man’s Land), and one supporting role for a short that went into the Cannes Film Festival.

When COVID hit, I took the opportunity to take all the workshops I could with professionals from the Industry in LA and NYC, so the geographical distance and the time zone were just an illusion. This is at least what I convinced myself of. On January 2021, I moved to the US.

After all the challenges that come with the emigration process, I signed with my manager and agent and grateful to be able to show my work and talent.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Not at all.. but how would life be exciting if it was not paved with challenges. What I like more about obstacles is that they teach you lessons and force you to grow.

As actors, general struggles would be similar in the sense of not letting rejection stop you, not feeling discouraged by the process of auditions, or learning how to master technology for the post-COVID era “how to become an expert in light, sound, and self-tapes.”

Let’s take these general challenges and add them to having an accent which places you in a small niche or dealing with visa processes that could be long and tedious.

But, I’m very grateful for it all, I got to meet wonderful people through the journey who showed me love and support.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would say I act, I dance, I cook. What I love about playing dramatic characters is that my body is just a vessel to show the life of someone else and tell their stories. For example for Mirage Serie (Apple TV) connecting with that woman refugee leaving her status as a teacher and having to start all over again by cleaning and cooking for a family and doing all what it takes to protect her children.

Acting is wonderful because you get to learn new skills or perfection your passions. I took military training once to be able to play a soldier. I love as a woman to play roles that are generally given to male actors. You think I can’t do it? Try me!

I’m most proud of the fact that I like to share experiences with others that can benefit them. People from my country reach out to me on social media when they’re thinking about changing careers or what acting class to go to? I enjoy being of service.

I can portray different cultures due to my racially ambiguous face and the fact that I can speak 5-6 languages.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck is when you see the opportunities, or you meet the right people, but if you are neither ready nor prepared, luck won’t help you. You still have to do the job, show up, give your best, and be kind. Gratitude is linked to luck because the more blessings you feel around you, the more opportunities you can see. Sometimes, we don’t see those because we are trapped in our daily stressful routine. Take a deep breath, step back and ask yourself “What’s the next step”. I’m a firm believer that good or bad luck will prepare you to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kenzamouahidi
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenza.mouahidi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenza.mouahidi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KenzaMouahidi
• Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/kenzamouahidi

Image Credits
Luliia Lutsyk Jeffrey Hornstein