Eagles of the Republic" Premieres at Cannes: A Bold Critique of Egypt's Political Landscape
May 20, 2025
This film marks the conclusion of Saleh's 'Cairo trilogy,' following 'The Nile Hilton Incident' and 'Cairo Conspiracy,' both of which addressed significant social and political issues in Egypt.
'Eagles of the Republic' is a dark and clever conspiracy thriller set in contemporary Egypt, exploring themes of corruption and political coercion.
George's involvement with an informal militia and his co-star Rula Haddad, who fears for her safety, underscores the political climate and censorship in Egypt.
The film delves into the dynamics of power in Egypt, where the military has held dominance since 1952, particularly after Sisi's rise to power following the ousting of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Tarik Saleh's latest film, 'Eagles of the Republic,' premiered at the Cannes Festival on May 19, 2025, and serves as a poignant critique of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The film takes a dramatic turn during a military parade where George is asked to deliver a speech, leading to unexpected consequences and a harrowing helicopter ride that signifies his downfall.
Overall, 'Eagles of the Republic' is noted as potentially the strongest film in Saleh's trilogy, offering a rich source of real-world material and a poignant critique of complicity in political systems.
The film highlights the oppressive nature of Sisi's regime, which has faced criticism for its authoritarian tactics since coming to power.
The narrative centers on George Fahmy, portrayed by Lebanese-Swedish actor Fares Fares, a veteran movie star pressured to star in a government-commissioned biopic about President Sisi.
Faced with mounting pressure, George reluctantly agrees to participate in the film under the watchful eye of the enigmatic Dr. Mansour, who embodies the oppressive force behind the production.
As George's involvement deepens, he encounters government officials more focused on preserving Sisi's power than on genuine patriotism, revealing the corruption at the heart of the regime.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources

Variety • May 20, 2025
'Eagles of the Republic' Review: Catchy but Muddled Autocracy Thriller
The Hollywood Reporter • May 19, 2025
‘Eagles of the Republic’ Review: Movies Collide With Political Might in Tarik Saleh’s Dark and Clever Conspiracy Thriller
FRANCE 24 • May 19, 2025
Cairo-set Cannes thriller takes aim at Egypt's president