Renowned filmmaker Tarik Saleh returns to the Cannes Film Festival with his latest project, “Eagles of the Republic”, a political thriller that delves into the complexities of power and propaganda in modern Egypt. Known for his gritty thrillers that tackle religion and oppressive politics, Saleh continues to explore his roots through a deeply personal lens, particularly with this ambitious new film.
Following the success of his previous works, such as “The Nile Hilton Incident” and “Boy From Heaven”, “Eagles of the Republic” promises to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative and sharp social commentary.
A Return to Cairo’s Political Landscape in “Eagles of the Republic”
In “Eagles of the Republic,” Saleh reunites with actor Fares Fares to bring the story of an Egyptian film star coerced by the government into playing President Al-Sissi in a propaganda film. As the character gets closer to the inner circles of power, he finds himself drawn into dangerous conspiracies, reflecting the complex nature of Egypt’s political landscape.
Tarik Saleh, who grew up as a child of immigrants in Sweden, uses this film to reclaim his version of Egypt, a country he has always felt connected to, despite the often contradictory and romanticized stories he was told growing up. Saleh’s films, including this one, explore the tension between individuals and powerful systems that seek to control them, with Cairo serving as the perfect backdrop for these complex narratives.
A Fictional Tale Rooted in Reality
While “Eagles of the Republic” is a work of fiction, it draws heavy inspiration from real events in Egypt, particularly the country’s political involvement in the media. Saleh explains that when Abdel Fattah al-Sisi became president, the Egyptian government took control of the country’s media, including film and television.
They even produced a TV series about Al-Sissi’s rise to power, casting an actor who looked nothing like the president, which Saleh found absurd and thought-provoking. This led him to ask, “What if I were asked to direct such a film?” This question became the driving force behind “Eagles of the Republic”.
A Look at Power Dynamics Through the Lens of Cinema
One of the central themes of “Eagles of the Republic” is the intersection of Egyptian cinema and politics. Through the character of George El-Nabawi, a megastar, Saleh explores the role of actors in Egypt’s media landscape and the pressure they face to align with the state’s agenda. The film also highlights how the portrayal of real-life figures can become distorted and manipulated for political purposes, drawing parallels to the rise of social media influencers and the commercialization of authenticity.
Saleh, who has personal connections with people inside Egypt’s political system, was able to infuse his film with authenticity, using real-life accounts to shape the thriller’s gritty, yet humorous tone. The film offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Egyptian power structures that rarely get exposure outside the country.
Why Cairo Matters to Tarik Saleh
For Saleh, Cairo represents much more than just a setting. He describes it as a city that “conquers” its inhabitants, filled with people who come from all over Egypt and the Arab world to chase dreams, only to have the city ultimately chew them up. This metaphorical “battle” between men and the indomitable city forms the backbone of Saleh’s Cairo-centric trilogy, which includes “The Nile Hilton Incident” and “Boy From Heaven.”
Saleh is committed to depicting Cairo not just as a backdrop but as a character in its own right, filled with contradictions, dreams, and frustrations.
Ambitious Cinematic Vision
In addition to its political narrative, “Eagles of the Republic” is also a cinematic triumph, shot in 65mm, a decision inspired by films like “Parasite” and “Joker”. Saleh’s use of this large format enhances the emotional and visual depth of the film, making it an immersive experience for the audience. Working with renowned composer Alexandre Desplat, who is of Greek-Egyptian descent, Saleh was able to capture the unique cultural and political nuances of the film.
The music was crafted to reflect the protagonist’s internal conflict and the larger political tension in the story. Are you excited to see “Eagles of the Republic”? Share your thoughts on this political thriller and its exploration of power in the comments below! Thanks for reading! For more updates and insights, visit us at newsbaazi.com. Stay tuned for more!
FAQs
What is “Eagles of the Republic” about?
“Eagles of the Republic” follows an Egyptian film star who is coerced into playing President Al-Sissi in a government propaganda film, only to be drawn into dangerous political conspiracies.
Who stars in “Eagles of the Republic”?
The film stars Fares Fares, who reunites with director Tarik Saleh after their successful collaboration in “Boy From Heaven.”
How is “Eagles of the Republic” connected to real events in Egypt?
The film is inspired by the Egyptian government’s control over media and film, specifically a TV series about Al-Sissi’s rise to power that cast an actor who didn’t resemble him.
What themes are explored in “Eagles of the Republic”?
The film explores power dynamics, political control, and the role of cinema in shaping public perception, with a particular focus on Egypt’s political system and the film industry.
Why did Tarik Saleh choose Cairo as the setting for his films?
For Saleh, Cairo is a symbol of struggle and resilience, representing a city where dreams are both made and broken. The city serves as a backdrop for his films, reflecting the personal and political battles that unfold.
