Behind the Scenes: Eagles of the Republic
The final instalment of the Cairo trilogy is a sharp political thriller about a vain film star, offering a pointed commentary on the state of democracy in Egypt. The film will be followed by a fascinating Behind the Scenes discussion with director Tarik Saleh.
Acclaimed Swedish-Egyptian director Tarik Saleh will visit the Love & Anarchy Festival with his latest film, which premiered in competition at Cannes. Eagles of the Republic concludes Saleh’s series of political thrillers, the Cairo Trilogy, whose earlier parts The Nile Hilton Incident and Boy from Heaven will also be screened at this year’s festival. After the screening of Eagles of the Republic, Saleh will take part in a fascinating Behind the Scenes discussion, where Variety journalist Marta Balaga will interview him about the stages of making the film.
The star of the Cairo Trilogy, Fares Fares, naturally takes the lead role in Eagles of the Republic as George Fahmy—a charming but vain film star who unwillingly becomes entangled in Egypt’s political scheming. Those in power have chosen George to play the lead in a propaganda film about President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, ironically titled “The Will of the People”—and it soon becomes clear that refusing the role is not an option. The situation becomes even more complicated when the star grows close to the wife of the general overseeing the film’s production.
Blending intense suspense, biting humour, sharp social critique, and breathtaking action, Saleh brings his trilogy to a powerful conclusion. His depiction of the state’s propaganda machinery resonates strongly with the present day—even beyond the context of Egyptian society.
Inari Ylinen
Collaboration
