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CinemaInterviewFashion

by Alexandra Mansilla

The Creative Octopus. The Story Of Ahmed Newton

4 Jun 2025

A guy with black curls, a red headband, a white tank top, and a yellow fanny pack — where he keeps his secret weapon: peanuts. That is Action Ahmed, a superhero. A role in the horror film Three by Nayla Al Khaja. Kevin Hart’s assistant. And that is just a glimpse — Ahmed Newton, actor, model (but honestly, who isn’t he?) from Ajman, somehow contains all these characters and more. In real life, Ahmed feels like someone straight out of a movie. You can’t miss him — he is bold, full of energy, effortlessly charismatic, and bursting with creativity.
So, how did he get to where he is now? Why the name Newton? And how did it happen that just a few years ago… he was working as a debt collector?
— Hi, Ahmed! So first, could you tell me a bit about your roots?
— I was born in Ajman and raised between Ajman and Al Dhaid. I lived in Ajman, but a lot of my relatives were in Al Dhaid — that is where most of our family life happened. So I was kind of split between two worlds.
Growing up, I was always into trying new things and pushing myself. I have always had a competitive streak. I hated losing — even if it was just a game.
But for me, competition has always been more about competing with myself. Even now, that competitive energy is still there, just in different forms. For me, that spirit has always been a positive force. It is what pushes me to try new things, explore, and take risks — even the weird ones.
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— Newton isn’t your real last name, is it?
— You are right!
The name Newton goes back to the days when I played football. Let me take you there.
We played a lot of football growing up. We didn’t have much, so we would find open sandy lots and turn them into makeshift football fields. The rule was simple: that land is ours until someone buys it and builds a house.
We had a bunch of these “fields” across different neighbourhoods, and we would go around playing games against other groups. There was one neighbourhood right behind ours where we always hung out. After the games, we would sit near the corner supermarket, talking for hours about football, life, and sometimes the wildest sci-fi stories or urban myths.
There was this one guy who was always talking about physics. And I was into that kind of stuff — physics, history, chemistry. I wouldn’t call myself a smart kid, but I used to sit at the back of the classroom, just watching and listening. Not because I was messing around — I just liked observing everything, taking it all in.
And sometimes, when a topic came up, I would speak about it with a lot of passion. Like, “No, this isn’t how it works — it is because of this, and that…” And then someone would joke, “Chill, Newton!”
The name stuck. At first, it was just the boys from our area. But as we played more games in other neighbourhoods — even on real grass fields — the name spread. People would say, “Good game, Newton!” and think that was actually my name.
Eventually, everyone just started calling me Newton. No one even knew my real name anymore.
— We will get to acting soon, but first I want to stay with this description of you: “Once a debt collector, Newton is a fanatic cave explorer, filmmaker, and a force on the field as a semi-finalist footballer with alleged extraterrestrial descent.” Wait… a debt collector?!
— Oh yes! Back then, I didn’t really know how to categorise myself. But now I think I have figured it out — I have always kind of operated like an octopus.
I have had my hands in all sorts of things at once, just tapping in and out whenever something caught my interest. I have always loved jumping between different things.
Acting actually started for me with Instagram sketches — Reels and short videos with different comedians. I was part of this small online community where we would constantly create and post stuff.
Interestingly, I used to be extremely uncomfortable in front of the camera. Then Snapchat came along, and suddenly I was talking to it as if it were my best friend. That is where I started building a bit of an audience.
So yeah, acting was always there, but at the same time, I was kind of lost. At one point, while I was still in uni, I got a job as a debt collector. Would I recommend it? Not really. Do I regret it? Not at all. It was tough, but I learned a lot.
I did that job for two years. In the beginning, it was all office-based, mostly phone calls. A tough job, especially at that age. But it really shaped me.
It forced me to grow up quickly. It taught me balance — how to keep that fun, light side of my personality, but also develop something more bold and grounded. That job gave me both.
And now, every once in a while, I still catch myself thinking: “Okay… who owes me money?” Haha!
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— That is quite interesting, because from what I can tell, you seem like a kind and polite person. And being a debt collector usually requires… a different kind of toughness. So I am really curious — was that hard for you?
— Yeah, it was really difficult — and that is actually why I ended up leaving.
At first, I just wanted to try working in a professional environment while still in uni. I saw it as something temporary — a way to gain experience while juggling classes. Nothing long-term, definitely not a “forever” thing.
But sometimes you step into a space and suddenly find yourself stuck in a loop. That is what happened. And to be honest, I was really young — probably the youngest person there. The second-youngest was at least ten years older than I.
That experience taught me a lot. It made me realise the world isn’t always as beautiful or simple as we think. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes — things you don’t expect. And being exposed to that at a young age forced me to grow up fast.
It was a tough phase, but at the same time, I still tried to hold onto the fun parts of who I was. I was doing sketches, staying creative, trying to balance both sides.
It taught me a lot. You know, it takes time to build that other side of yourself — the stronger, more grounded part. And until you do, you get hit a lot. But that is how it builds.
And when you are in an environment that demands that toughness, it shows up. Whether you like it or not.
— And what is the story behind “cave explorer”?
— Honestly, I think the love for adventure runs in the family — it just feels embedded in the bloodline.
We have got some beautiful scenery around here. Not always easy to access, but when the weather is right, there is so much to explore. And sometimes, the point isn’t even about getting somewhere specific — it is about getting lost in the mountains. That is how you find hidden gems, like water flowing where you would never expect it.
I have always loved exploring, and eventually I met people who were doing it seriously, professionally. That is when things shifted for me, from casual hikes to more intentional, structured adventures.
So, there is a bat cave. I went there with a guy who is pretty well-known in the local outdoors community. Instead of taking the usual entrance, we decided to find our own way out — probably not the smartest idea, but that was part of the thrill: carving our own path, literally.
Inside that cave, there is a rock we call the "Challenge Rock." The cave bends in this weird way, and to get past it, you have to climb at an awkward angle, kind of like bouldering. It is one of those spots where you can actually scale the rock from bottom to top, so it became a bit of a checkpoint for adventurers. Most people reach it, attempt the climb, and then turn back because the cave narrows and the oxygen drops.
The first time I did it, the guy I was with looked at me like, “Yo, you actually did it!” It was cool, especially since it was his first time too, and he is usually the climber.
After that, I got into climbing more seriously, just for fun. Rain climbs, mountain climbs, stuff with ropes — always with a belay, though. No free climbing.
Eventually, it became our go-to thing. Whenever the boys and I were bored — especially in winter — we would just hop in the car and head for the mountains. No plan, no pressure. Just: let’s go.
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— Now, acting! Am I right that acting and modelling are the main things you do now? And if someone didn’t know anything about you, how would you describe yourself to them?
— I would say I am an octopus now. By that, I mean I am a multidisciplinary creator. I didn’t start out in just one lane — I got into media through acting and modelling. But once I found myself on set, I realised how much I loved being part of the whole process.
It was fun learning how everything works — the different roles, all the moving parts. So I started picking things up. Eventually, I became a production manager at an agency, running full productions and managing a wide range of clients.
Now, I work across all kinds of creative roles — especially in visual storytelling.
I have been a production manager, stylist, model, actor, and even assistant director. The past five months, in particular, have been all about experimenting and growing — diving into new areas, figuring out what feels right.
Acting and modelling are great — I still enjoy both. But I have also grown to love producing.
Just recently, for example, I worked on a short film and took on a production role. That is the kind of work I love — being in the room where things are made, learning from everyone on set, and being part of the process from the inside.
And honestly, it all ties back to something bigger. I really believe in understanding your core strengths and actively nurturing them. A lot of people grow up, step into adult life, and slowly drift away from the parts of themselves that once brought them joy. Life happens. Things get heavy. But if you stay close to what makes you you, that is how you evolve into the best version of yourself.
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— During THE KARAK Conversations, you mentioned that you got your first role because you knew how to ice skate. Tell me more about that — how did it happen?
— Yes — this one is funny. So, when I was a kid, I used to know how to ice skate. A bit. But I hadn’t skated in forever. I had totally forgotten how to do it.
One day, the boys and I went skating just for fun. I suddenly remembered this one trick I used to do — skate fast, turn hard, stop suddenly, and face the camera like bam. So I told my friend, “Yo, film this!” I sped up, nailed the turn, faced him right as he zoomed in — and boom, we got the shot. Hilarious.
Later, I saw a casting call for an ad that asked, “Do you know how to skate?” I was like, “Yeah.” They asked for a video, so I sent that one. The director saw it and loved it. She said, “I want this guy. He’s a character.”
It was my first gig — not my first time acting, but the first real shoot. Can’t share everything that happened that day, but let’s just say: it was an experience.
Big crew, big cast. The director was amazing — super warm, really creative. The first time she saw me, she said, “I love your vibe.” When we shot my scenes, she kept saying, “Yes! Talk to the camera! Give me energy!” We were filming inside this huge dome, just vibing and having fun.
But here is where it got tricky. There were actual pro skaters on set — people who could do legit tricks. Me? I can skate... and I have one trick. That is it.
Then they explained the shot: wide angle, zooming through the artist’s legs, and I had to pull off my trick right in the middle of it. I was like, Physics? No. Not happening.
I told her straight up, “This won’t work.” But she was super cool about it. She completely reworked the shot — and honestly, it looked even better. And yeah, I still pulled it off.
— And tell me about working with Nayla Al Khaja — what was your role in Three, and how did it all come together?
— I was working on a shoot when I met this guy on set — really solid guy. We talked a bit, connected, and some time after, he sent me a casting call. He had seen someone looking for a person with specific traits and just forwarded the post. You know, sometimes it is those small gestures that open big doors.
So I went for the casting, and that is how I ended up meeting Nayla. I didn’t have a big role in the film, to be honest, but it was a meaningful one — a small part that leaves a lasting mark on the story. Let’s just say… I was kind of the bad guy.
Without giving too much away, my character does something early on that shifts the whole tone of the film. It is brief, but it sticks.
It was my first time doing horror which was very interesting — I am usually in comedies and lighter stuff. The whole experience was super unique — the cast, the people, the vibe. We were filming way out in the mountains, which made it all feel even more special.
Crazy thing is, Nayla’s shoot ended up landing on the exact same day as Ahmed Action film — so yeah, I did two shoots back to back in 24 hours.
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— That is exactly what I was going to ask! How did Action Ahmed happen?
— I met this amazing director named Nader Baker from Misfits — they are known for their super creative commercial work. One day, he reached out and said, “I want you to come in for a casting.” I figured it would be a quick five, maybe ten minutes. I ended up staying for half an hour.
He took me through every expression I could possibly give — different characters, different moods, the full range. Then he told me, “I only work with a small circle of actors, and you are someone I want to keep working with.” That really stuck with me.
Fast-forward five or six months — he gets back in touch and books me for a commercial. I ask, “What’s the character’s name?” He goes, “Action Ahmed.” How did it end? With a beautiful commercial.
The role was incredible. And what I really appreciated was this: the final result is only ever as good as the people behind it, and this team was solid from start to finish. Everyone gave it their all to make sure we delivered something great.
But here is where it got intense.
About a month before the commercial, Nader locked in the date with me. Then, the week before that shoot, I was filming for Nayla Al Khaja’s film. Their schedule shifted — suddenly, my scenes were moved to the same weekend as the Action Ahmed commercial. Now I was looking at Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with Nayla in Shawka, and Sunday with Nader in Ras Al Khaimah.
I thought: How am I going to pull this off?
So I spoke to Nader and explained the situation — they were super understanding and totally ready to help me make it all work.
My plan was to leave the set in Ras Al Khaimah at midnight, drive to Dhaid, crash at my grandfather’s place for a quick three-hour sleep, and then hit the road before sunrise to get to Shawka — which is about 30 minutes away. And I did it!
Now here is the fun part: as I got close to the set, there was a mountain valley between me and the crew. The drive around it would have taken 30 extra minutes. But the valley was dry. So I parked the car, hiked straight through the mountain, and popped out of nowhere on the other side.
Everyone on set just started laughing — “Bro, where did you come from?!” I looked like I had come out of the wilderness. But I made it. And we shot.
Then I went to Ras Al Khaimah — it is about an hour and a half away — and jumped straight into shooting with Nayla. It was a bit of a whirlwind, honestly, but it was all so worth it.
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— You also participated in a commercial with Kevin Hart. How was it?
— That was actually the first time I ever felt anxious on a set. Not because I was acting with Kevin Hart or anything like that — it wasn’t him or the production. It was the crowd. Just the number of people on set.
It was a short commercial. Kevin was styled like Napoleon — his face was everywhere, massive statues, full of empire energy. And I was the guy handling all his tasks. You know, the “I can do it all” kind of character.
The shoot itself? Super smooth. We got everything in two takes — one main take, one for safety. That was it.
It was one of those quick, surreal experiences. Efficient, clean, professional. You walk in, get it done, and walk out thinking… wait, did that really just happen?
— I was trying to do some research on you and couldn’t find much online, so I reached out to someone who might know more — Faizal Razak. He told me that you are working on a Guinness World Record… So… what is that about?
— Only two people knew about this! But here is the funny part: When do you think I first got the idea to try and break a Guinness World Record? It was when I couldn't walk.
I had torn a ligament and was using crutches, then a cane, for a good four or five months. And during that time, I told myself: “You know what? I’m going to break a Guinness World Record — and it is going to be something that actually requires this ligament I messed up.”
I won’t tell you exactly what it is just yet — but it is in the making. Still early, but it is happening. And before I do it, I will definitely get in touch so we can do a proper article on it.
— Amazing! Would you love to highlight any projects you are working on now?
— From the acting side, there is something exciting coming this summer — a short film where I will be playing the lead. Can’t share much yet, but it is a cool project, and I am looking forward to it.
It will actually be my first time acting in a short film. I have been offered a few before, but this is the first one that really felt right.
Outside of that, I have been working on some really creative campaigns with different agencies, including one with Al Nassr FC and Adidas. And recently, we made a fun video with Swagge (Abdulla al Jaberi). So yeah, a lot in motion — feels like it is all unfolding at once.
— And what is the bigger picture for you? Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years — what is the goal?
— There are definitely specific projects I want to work on and characters I would love to bring to life, both as an actor and as a creative. But the way I see it — where I am heading? It has already done. Like, the destination is there. Time just hasn’t caught up yet.
I would love to work with Telfaz11, and one of the directors I really hope to collaborate with is Meshal Al Jasser.
I really believe the right attributes have already been nurtured — the foundation is there. So now, it is just about walking the path.
If you ask me where I see myself in 5 or 10 years… probably on an island somewhere, chilling by the beach. But that doesn’t mean I am not still creating — just doing it on my terms.