Massa Daoud
Massa Daoud is an up-and-coming actress of Syrian descent whose career has gained momentum through her involvement in high-stakes, socially conscious dramas. She is most widely recognized for her breakout role as Rasha, the daughter of Dr. Amira Homsi (played by Yasmine Al Massri), in the 2026 film I Was a Stranger (originally titled The Stranger's Case). In the film, her character survives a devastating bomb attack in Aleppo, and the story follows her and her mother's harrowing attempt to escape Syria by being smuggled across borders, a performance that has been noted for its emotional resonance and realism. Beyond her major role in I Was a Stranger, Daoud has built a filmography that frequently addresses themes of migration and the human condition. Her earlier credits include the short film Refugee (2019), also directed by Brandt Andersen, which served as a precursor to her work in the 2026 feature. She also appeared in the 2018 film Amal and the 2022 drama Jacir, the latter of which explores the life of a Syrian refugee in Memphis.
