Samya Ghilane

About Samya Ghilane

Samya Ghilane is an actress, known for the hit series Oogappels, and has also appeared in various films, series, and theater productions. Through her years of work on stage and in front of the camera, she has developed a keen sense of structure, timing, and interpersonal dynamics – skills that she applies not only in her artistic work but also in facilitating discussions and meetings.

Her ability to quickly grasp different perspectives originates from her personal background as the daughter of a Moroccan-Islamic father and a Dutch-Jewish mother. With a strong Moroccan identity, growing up in predominantly white Zaandam, she learned early on how differently people experience the world. What once felt like ‘being different’ now forms the core of her professional strength: sharp listening, recognizing nuance, and creating space for multiple perspectives.

These qualities are clearly evident in her social and artistic projects. For example, Samya worked on behalf of the literary foundation SLAA with Moroccan women from the Amsterdam Diamantbuurt, translating their conversations into a theater text for the neighborhood. The process revolved around trust, representation, and careful handling of stories – principles that she also applies in her work as a moderator and host.

In addition to her acting work, Samya is writing a novel based on the hiding history of her Jewish grandmother. In this project, she explores how invisible history influences the present, and how awareness can contribute to resilience, connection, and leadership.

Samya moves effortlessly between different cultural and social contexts. In projects such as a podcast with her Moroccan half-sister and her commitment to gender equality and representation within film and media, she addresses structural inequality and inclusion issues. As a speaker and discussion leader, she reduces complexity to the core, with an eye for humanity, sharpness, and mutual understanding.