Amir El-Masry knows the entertainment business likes to typecast certain minorities into roles. In Limbo, the film has such a touching story and interesting character, El-Masry couldn’t pass on the project.

The film is a story of a Syrian refugee stuck in Scotland waiting for his more permanent immigration status after fleeing his war-torn country. While awaiting his status change, he made new friendship bonds with other immigrants, taking cultural assimilation classes, and maintaining his dream as a musical artist.

The film also stars Vikash Bhai, Ola Orebiyi, Kwabena Anash, Sidse Babett Knudsen, and Kais Nashif. Ben Sharrock wrote and directed the movie.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Recently nominated for two BAFTA awards for Best British Film and Best Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer, Limbo is a wry and poignant observation of the refugee experience, set on a fictional remote Scottish island where a group of new arrivals awaits the results of their asylum claims. It centers on Omar, a young Syrian musician who is burdened by his grandfather’s oud, which he has carried all the way from his homeland.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Ben Sharrock on Telling a Refuge Story in Limbo [Exclusive Interview]

LRM Online’s Gig Patta talked with actor Amir El-Masra on the attraction to the film and the desire to play this character. Also, we discussed the types of roles he likes to play and his ability to play the oud.

The Egyptian-born Amir El-Masry was raised in London. After a chance meeting with Omar Sharif, he landed leading roles in Egyptian films, which led to Best Young Actor at the Egyptian Oscars in 2009. He appeared in Jon Stewart’s debut feature Rosewater after graduating from LAMDA in 2013. His breakout role came in the 2016’s The Night Manager with Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman. Other credits included Lost in London, The State, Age Before Beauty, and The Arabian Warrior.

Limbo is in theaters this Friday, April 30.

Watch the exclusive interview with Amir El-Masra below. Let us know what you think.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, Focus Features