Report by Rima Youssef
Translation by Rasha Zantout
NNA - A star from Lebanon shines in the sky of Tinseltown; Alain Moussi is an attractive star on the rise in Hollywood. He is a master in martial arts and the leading actor in the action film Kickboxer: Vengeance. The movie has been available for viewing across Lebanese cinemas since September first.
Moussi is from a northern Lebanese family. He hails from the town of Aaba in Koura district. His father, Jean Moussi, is a professor of mathematics at Université du Québec en Outaouais. He left to Canada for his undergraduate studies and stayed until he got his PhD in mathematics. His mother, Rita, is a Canadian national. Moussi has two siblings, a sister and brother.
Moussi was born on March 29, 1981. He has been active in show business since 2005, as a stuntman in various films, doubling for stars such as Jean-Claude Van Damme. However, in this new film, Moussi plays the lead role.
The star trained in jujutsu, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. In addition to stunts and acting, Moussi owns and operates the NX Martial Arts and Fitness Academy in Orleans, Ottawa, Canada. He is married and has a girl named Annabel.
In a chat with the National News Agency, Moussi, currently in Hollywood, said that his father encouraged him to pursue martial arts from a young age as he was a big fan of Bruce Lee.
"I used to practice kickboxing with my dad until I went pro, and through kickboxing I went into acting and Hollywood, thank God."
Moussi clarified that the first movie he took part in was in Montreal as a stuntman.
"It was great! Since childhood I dreamt of taking a lead role in one of Jean-Claude Van Damme's films, I acted with him and I was very proud. He is the one who encouraged me to play this role in Kickboxer."
As for visiting Lebanon, Moussi explained that he has only visited Lebanon once when he was eleven years old, and stayed for about a month with his parents. He particularly loved Lebanon's beaches and mountains.
"I still remember all the places. It was a wonderful experience and I have many happy memories, in addition to my love for the delicious Lebanese cuisine."
The film star concluded by saying that he would very much like to visit Lebanon again.
"At the moment I am in touch with my relatives in the town of Aaba through social media, and I hope to visit Lebanon next year to meet my loved ones and cousins."
The premier of the action film in Lebanon was very well received and movie goers were impressed by the cinematography, music and acting.
The storyline of the film is about two brothers, Eric and Kurt Sloane, the descendants of a well-known family of martial artists. Kurt has always been in older brother Eric's shadow, as he lacks the instincts needed to become a champion. Despite Kurt's concerns, Eric accepts a paid offer and travels to Thailand to challenge the Muay Thai champion Tong Po and fails with dire consequences. Kurt sets out for revenge. He trains with his brother's mentor, Durand, for a Muay Thai fight against the merciless champion, Tong Po. Durand first thinks Kurt is impossible to train, but through a series of spiritual exercises and tests, Durand discovers that Kurt has a deeper strength that will carry him through his final showdown with Tong Po.
