New Trailers: Eagles of the Republic (2025) by Tarik Saleh

Eagles of the Republic (2025) by Tarik Saleh: A Political Thriller in the Heart of Egypt's Power

Tarik Saleh, the acclaimed Swedish-Egyptian director known for his incisive political thrillers such as The Nile Hilton Incident and Cairo Conspiracy (Boy from Heaven), concludes his "Cairo trilogy" with Eagles of the Republic. This highly anticipated film premiered in competition for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May. Continuing Saleh's exploration of power, corruption, and societal pressures in contemporary Egypt, the film takes audiences into the glamorous yet dangerous world of the Egyptian film industry and its entanglement with the highest echelons of authority.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30781967/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/476248/

About movie: https://playtime.group/film/668fd2435bf2f90002cc15ec

Release Date on Streaming

A specific streaming release date for Eagles of the Republic has not been announced. It will likely follow its theatrical release window in various territories.

Theatrical Release

Eagles of the Republic had its World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, where it is competing for the Palme d'Or.

Its theatrical release dates include:

• France: October 22, 2025

• Sweden: September 19, 2025

• Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland): Fall 2025

Other international release dates will follow.

Detailed Summary

Eagles of the Republic centers on George Fahmy (Fares Fares), Egypt's most beloved and adored actor. With a career built on charisma and public admiration, George is a shining star in the country's powerful and glamorous film industry. However, his seemingly unassailable position takes a dramatic turn when he suddenly falls out of favor with the highest authorities. On the verge of losing everything – his career, his reputation, and perhaps even his freedom – George is pressured into accepting an offer he cannot refuse: to star in a propaganda film commissioned directly by the government, celebrating the President.

Reluctantly, George accepts the role, believing it's his only way out. This decision catapults him into the inner circle of power, granting him unprecedented access to the shadowy workings and opulent lives of the nation's elite. As he navigates this dangerous new terrain, George soon realizes that he is not only in danger of losing his soul by participating in state-sanctioned propaganda but that he has literally thrown himself into a treacherous "dance of death." His involvement deepens when he begins a perilous affair with Donya (Lyna Khoudri), the mysterious wife of the general overseeing the film's production. This entanglement further ensnares him in a web of deceit, corruption, and betrayal, pushing him to confront his ethics and convictions in a system where truth is a currency and power is absolute. The film is a riveting, unpredictable narrative that explores the individual's struggle against an overwhelming state apparatus.

Plot Summary

George Fahmy, Egypt's most adored actor, is pressured into starring in a propaganda film commissioned by the highest authorities. As he reluctantly accepts, he is drawn into the inner circle of power, where he embarks on a dangerous affair with the general's wife overseeing the film, forcing him to confront his ethics amidst a perilous web of deceit and corruption.

Director's Vision

Tarik Saleh's vision for Eagles of the Republic is to provide a compelling conclusion to his "Cairo trilogy," building upon the themes of political intrigue, surveillance, and individual agency against authoritarian regimes seen in The Nile Hilton Incident and Cairo Conspiracy. Saleh views filmmaking as an "act of empathy" and an opportunity to take the viewer into the lives of others, even those caught in terrifying circumstances. For Eagles of the Republic, he describes the process of writing as getting "more and more worried about the characters," feeling as if they were "constantly dancing with the devil." He sees the film as a "political thriller with strong noir influences" and a "mirror of what's happening in the wider world where we idealize the strong man and believe he will save us, even though we know where it ultimately leads." Saleh aims to create a "bold, complex and thrilling" narrative that challenges audiences and the systems that control and shape lives, particularly focusing on what he views as the most sensitive issue in Egypt: the highest part of the power structure.

Themes

• Power and Corruption: The insidious nature of authoritarian power and its corrosive effect on individuals and institutions.

• Propaganda and Truth: The manipulation of art and media for political ends, and the struggle to discern truth in a controlled environment.

• Ethics and Conviction: An individual's moral struggle when faced with impossible choices under extreme pressure.

• Betrayal and Deceit: The pervasive atmosphere of mistrust and the dangerous consequences of entanglement with powerful figures.

• Individual vs. System: The courage and vulnerability of an individual challenging or navigating a powerful, oppressive system.

• Glamour and Danger: The stark contrast between the opulent facade of the film industry and the dark, dangerous undercurrents of the political landscape.

Key Success Factors

• Tarik Saleh's Established Reputation: As the final installment in his critically acclaimed "Cairo trilogy," the film benefits from Saleh's established mastery of the political thriller genre and his unique voice.

• Palme d'Or Nomination: Its selection for the Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival is a major indicator of its artistic merit and international significance.

• Fares Fares's Lead Performance: Reuniting with Saleh, Fares Fares brings gravitas and a nuanced portrayal to the complex lead role, having successfully anchored the previous films in the trilogy.

• Relevant and Timely Subject Matter: The exploration of power, censorship, and political manipulation resonates strongly in the current global climate.

• High Production Value: With a budget of €9 million, it is one of the most expensive Arabic-language films ever made, promising a compelling cinematic experience.

• Alexandre Desplat's Score: The involvement of the two-time Oscar-winning composer adds a layer of sophisticated artistry to the film.

Cast

• Fares Fares as George Fahmy

• Lyna Khoudri as Donya

• Amr Waked as Dr. Mansour

• Zineb Triki as Suzanne

• Cherien Dabis

• Sherwan Haji

• Husam Chadat

• Ahmed Khairy

• Donia Massoud

Awards and Nominations

Eagles of the Republic is in competition for the Palme d'Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival (May 13-24, 2025). Its selection is a significant achievement, following Saleh's previous success at Cannes with Cairo Conspiracy (Best Screenplay, 2022) and The Nile Hilton Incident (Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, 2017).

Tarik Saleh's "Eagles of the Republic (2025)" is a highly anticipated film, especially as it serves as the third and final installment in his acclaimed "Cairo Trilogy," following "The Nile Hilton Incident" (2017) and "Boy from Heaven" (2022).

As of early May 2025, the film is poised for its World Premiere in the Main Competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, where it will compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or. Consequently, comprehensive critics' reception and widespread reviews are not yet available. However, the film has garnered significant attention and early commentary in anticipation of its premiere.

Early Buzz and Anticipation:

• Festival Selection & Prestige: Its selection for the Cannes Film Festival's main competition is a strong indicator of its perceived quality and importance within the industry. Sites like Cineuropa, SF Studios International Press, and Nordic Widescreen have highlighted this selection, emphasizing Saleh's consistent presence and success at major festivals.

• Continuation of the "Cairo Trilogy": There's considerable anticipation for how "Eagles of the Republic" will conclude the trilogy, which has been lauded for its political thrillers set against the backdrop of Egyptian society. Reviewers and industry publications often refer back to the critical success of "The Nile Hilton Incident" (Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2017) and "Boy from Heaven" (Best Screenplay at Cannes 2022) as benchmarks for this new film.

• Plot and Themes: The film is described as a political thriller set within the glamorous yet tightly controlled Egyptian film industry. It follows George Fahmy (played by Fares Fares, a recurring collaborator with Saleh), Egypt's most adored actor, who is pressured to star in a government-commissioned propaganda film. His involvement with the state deepens when he begins an affair with the mysterious wife of a general overseeing the film, putting his life and career in jeopardy. Cineuropa notes that the film is about "ethics, convictions, transparency, combat and the spirit of contradiction," as explained by Thierry Frémaux, the general delegate of the Cannes Film Festival.

• Stellar Cast and Crew: The film features an international ensemble cast led by Fares Fares, along with Lyna Khoudri, Amr Waked, Cherien Dabis, and Zineb Triki. The score is composed by two-time Academy Award winner Alexandre Desplat (Next Best Picture).

• High Production Value: With a reported budget of €9 million, "Eagles of the Republic" is noted by sites like Screen Daily and Cineuropa as one of the biggest Arabic-language productions to date, suggesting a high level of cinematic ambition and scale.

Summary of Anticipated Reception:

While no official reviews are out, the pre-release buzz for "Eagles of the Republic" suggests it is expected to be a compelling and significant film. Its selection for the Cannes Main Competition, the established reputation of director Tarik Saleh and his "Cairo Trilogy," and the intriguing plot premise involving political intrigue within the Egyptian film industry all point towards a critically engaging and potentially award-contending work. Audiences and critics are eager to see how Saleh concludes his trilogy and further explores themes of power, corruption, and personal integrity in a high-stakes environment.

Production

• Director: Tarik Saleh

• Writer: Tarik Saleh

• Producers: Linus Stöhr Torell (Unlimited Stories), Linda Mutawi (Apparaten), Johan Lindström (Apparaten), Alexandre Mallet-Guy (Memento Production). Co-produced by Ström Pictures, Bufo, Films Boutique, SVT, Film i Väst, ARTE France Cinéma, SF Studios, Mikael Ahlström Films, Playtime & Post Control. 1    

• Cinematography: Pierre Aïm

• Editor: Theis Schmidt

• Music by: Alexandre Desplat

• Production Companies: Unlimited Stories (Sweden), Apparaten (Sweden), Memento Production (France). Co-produced with Ström Pictures (Denmark), Bufo (Finland), Films Boutique (Germany), among others.

• Distribution: SF Studios (Sweden, Denmark, Finland), Memento Distribution (France). International sales handled by Playtime.

• Production Countries: Sweden, France, Denmark, Finland, Germany.

• Language: Arabic

• Running Time: 127 minutes (2 hours 7 minutes)

• Budget: Approximately €9 million (making it one of the most expensive Arabic-language films ever made).

• Filming Locations: Primarily Istanbul, Turkey. Post-production contributions from Gothenburg, Sweden.

Sales Companies

• Playtime (International Sales)

Distribution Companies

• SF Studios (Nordic Countries: Sweden, Denmark, Finland)

• Memento Distribution (France)

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Masterful Political Thriller: If you appreciate intelligent, suspenseful films that delve into complex political landscapes and corruption.

• Tarik Saleh's Vision: A must-watch for fans of director Tarik Saleh's distinctive style and his previous acclaimed "Cairo trilogy" films.

• Powerful Performances: Features a strong international cast, led by the always compelling Fares Fares.

• Timely and Relevant Themes: Explores issues of power, propaganda, and individual integrity that resonate globally.

• High Stakes and Intrigue: Promises a gripping narrative with unexpected twists set in a world of high-stakes glamour and danger.

• Cannes Competition Selection: Its inclusion in the main competition at Cannes is a strong indicator of its cinematic quality and importance.

Why to Watch Movie

• For an Intense Cinematic Experience: If you enjoy films that keep you on the edge of your seat with a blend of political drama and personal stakes.

• To Witness a Trilogy Conclusion: A chance to see the culmination of Tarik Saleh's acclaimed "Cairo trilogy."

• Explore a Different Perspective: The film offers a unique lens into the power dynamics and societal complexities of Egypt.

• High-Quality Production: The substantial budget and renowned artistic team (including Alexandre Desplat) promise a visually and acoustically rich experience.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

Eagles of the Republic continues the trend of "International Political Thrillers," often exploring complex geopolitical realities and human rights issues through compelling narratives. It also fits into the growing category of "Auteur-Driven Genre Films," where directors with strong authorial voices apply their unique vision to genre cinema. As the final installment in a series, it also follows the trend of "Thematic Trilogies," where filmmakers build a body of work around interconnected themes.

What Big Social Trend is Following

The film directly engages with the ongoing global conversations around "Authoritarianism and State Control," particularly how power structures influence and manipulate public narratives and individual lives. It also speaks to the increasing awareness of "Censorship and Media Freedom," and the dangers faced by artists and journalists in restrictive environments. Furthermore, it resonates with the broader human experience of "Ethical Dilemmas" and the search for personal integrity in a corrupt world.

Final Verdict

Eagles of the Republic is set to be a powerful and essential film from Tarik Saleh, completing his significant "Cairo trilogy" with expected thematic depth and thrilling intensity. Its selection for the Palme d'Or competition at Cannes underscores its artistic ambition and its timely relevance. With a gripping plot, stellar performances, and Saleh's signature blend of political commentary and noir-infused storytelling, the film promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking experience. For audiences interested in intelligent thrillers and cinema that bravely tackles complex social and political issues, Eagles of the Republic is an unmissable event.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Maintain a Distinct Voice: Demonstrate how a consistent directorial style and thematic focus can build a powerful body of work and a loyal audience.

• Tackle Complex Political Themes: Showcase how a political thriller can be both entertaining and deeply insightful, prompting viewers to reflect on global issues.

• Collaborate with Returning Talent: Highlighting the value of long-standing partnerships with actors (like Fares Fares) and crew (like Alexandre Desplat) who understand and can execute the director's vision.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Global Cinema: Continue to invest in and distribute films from diverse international regions, particularly those that offer unique perspectives on universal themes.

• Recognize and Reward Socially Relevant Films: Champion films that bravely tackle sensitive political and social issues, fostering critical dialogue and awareness.

• Promote Director-Driven Franchises/Trilogies: Encourage filmmakers to develop thematic series, allowing for deeper character and thematic exploration over multiple installments.