Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Saudi co-founder of UAE-based of Dark Wingz Productions & Distribution Nassar Al Nassar voiced the Arabic version of ‘Aws,’ the protagonist of “The Journey” movie, the first major animated feature between Manga Productions and Toei Animation.

Speaking exclusively to Arab News Japan, Al Nassar said his journey with the movie started with Manga Productions, when they were doing trail sessions for voice actors who were willing to do the voice of Aws for the journey movie.

 “I was among them. Thankfully, after checking and judging the voices from many people who did the trail sessions, I was contacted by the [Manga Productions] team, saying that I have been chosen as the Arabic voice of the protagonist of ‘The Journey’ movie,” he said.

The Saudi voice actor added that he considered the role a new challenge, because every character needs a “new and different tune.”

“Voicing Aws was a huge responsibility for me as he was the main protagonist of the movie. Usually, doing the voice of the protagonist requires a lot of energy and passion to do the best voice for it to attract the audience to the character and the main focus being on him,” Al Nassar explained.

He added it was an honor for him to work as the main voice actor of the first major Saudi-Japanese animated feature.

About the challenges that he faced during performing the voice of Aws, Al Nassar said: “One of the challenges of voicing Aws’ was understanding the era of the movie, since it happened during the pre-Islamic era. This era requires a special tune and performance for the screams, emotions as well interactions on different situations through the events.”

He told Arab News Japan that it was a “glorious” experience to see his performance on the big screen. He was proud to hear everyone’s positive feedback as well.

Other than ‘The Journey,’ Al Nassar also worked on the Arabic versions of ‘Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms,’ ‘Promare’ and ‘Resident Evil Vendetta.’

He said he had always had a passion for Japanese anime after watching the Arabic dubbed of classic anime series like UFO Robot Grendizer and Treasure Island (Takarajima.)

“My favorite anime series these days is One Piece,” he added.

Al Nassar then started his voice acting career in 2006, with his first official job being for ‘Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms.’