Tarik Saleh, a now essential name in the world of cinema, embodies the alliance between Egyptian and Swedish cultures. Born in 1972 in Cairo, he grew up in an Egyptian context marked by political and social upheavals that shaped his artistic vision. If his work can be described as a true mirror of contemporary tensions, it is undoubtedly due to his Egyptian roots and international perspective, born from his dual nationality. Saleh has always chosen not to limit himself to a simplistic vision of the Arab or Western world, and his cinema reflects this duality with rare subtlety.
One of his best-known films, The Nile Hilton Incident (2017), propelled him onto the international stage. This political thriller, denouncing corruption at the heart of the Egyptian system, was praised for its ability to combine suspense and social analysis, all within a tense soundscape, earning Saleh several awards, including Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival.
A new turning point with Eagles of the Republic
For the 2025 edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Tarik Saleh returns with Eagles of the Republic, a bold film that promises to mark a turning point in his career. This feature film portrays the struggle for power in Egypt, beyond mere political narrative, offering an immersion into the daily lives of Cairo’s inhabitants navigating between dictatorship and hope for change.
The film tells the story of a group of activists and soldiers struggling through the labyrinth of a corrupt government. The idea for the film was born from Saleh’s personal experience, having closely witnessed the events of the Arab Spring, and whose critical view of Egyptian politics finds a new expression here. The film particularly focuses on the paradoxes of a country torn between aspirations for democracy and the grip of ancient political powers.
In an interview, Saleh stated: “Cinema must be a form of engagement. It’s a way to show what hides behind official speeches. Cinema doesn’t just tell stories; it must be a mirror of reality.”
This project, which took several years to come to fruition, reflects the magnitude of Saleh’s ambition, who does not settle for making entertainment cinema, but primarily seeks to awaken minds and spark discussions on crucial issues of our time.
An international and committed journey
Tarik Saleh is a committed filmmaker, deeply influenced by the political events shaking his country of origin. In Sweden, he developed a critical eye on international politics and the way media manipulates information, creating a body of work that is both dense and politically charged. This diaspora filmmaker has integrated universal themes into his films while remaining firmly rooted in his cultural heritage.
Before turning to directing, Saleh studied music and visual arts at Stockholm University, which allowed him to develop a distinctive aesthetic style. His films are often marked by strong visual storytelling and inventive use of light and sound to heighten dramatic intensity.
His first feature film, Metropia (2009), a dystopian animated film, deviates from his usual universe but already reveals his ability to deconstruct power systems and question human behavior. This film was well received for its bold vision of the future and its social commentary on mass surveillance, a theme that deeply resonates in today’s context.
Political and social issues in his work
Through his films, Saleh often takes the gamble of deconstructing simplistic representations of Arab and African societies. He seeks to offer a more nuanced view, avoiding usual stereotypes. In The Nile Hilton Incident, for instance, he depicts an Egypt cast in the shadow of authoritarian power and a society where the individual, despite a desire for change, seems powerless against a deeply rooted system.
Cinema is a way to document our era and to defend our ideas
Tarik Saleh
Saleh thus continues a reflection that goes beyond simple political critique: “I believe it’s essential to understand the psychology of individuals caught in power systems, to show that they are not simply victims or executioners. Every character has their own reason to act, and it’s this complexity that makes a story authentic.” This often complex, humanist approach fuels one of the great strengths of his films: the ability to provoke thought while captivating the viewer.
A universal cinema with African and Arab roots
Tarik Saleh’s vision is not limited to a mere entanglement of historical or political events. His cinema is nourished by the social and human realities of Egypt but finds echoes around the world. His cinema is not solely addressed to Egyptians or Arabs but to all those concerned with issues of social justice, repression, and individual freedom.
“My cinema is above all an attempt to understand what is happening around us, a mirror of the world we live in. That’s why I like it to be universal.”
Tarik Saleh at Cannes 2025: A new victory for African cinema
With Eagles of the Republic, Tarik Saleh reaffirms his place among the great filmmakers of the world. His film presents itself as a tribute to political intelligence and resistance to oppressive regimes. Through this work, he continues to make a strong African voice heard on the international stage, notably at Cannes, where he could very well receive recognition that would crown his entire body of work. For African cinema, this presence at Cannes is much more than a simple success; it symbolizes a continuity — that of the rise of African cinematic art on the grand international stages.
Film: Eagles of the Republic
Selection: Official Competition
Countries: Egypt/Sweden
