“Eagles of the Republic,” the Egyptian political thriller that first premiered in Cannes, has been picked up by Cohen Media Group for the U.S. with plans for a theatrical release.
From filmmaker Tarik Saleh (“Boy From Heaven,” “The Nile Hilton Incident”), the feature was recently submitted by Sweden to be its submission for the 98th Academy Awards.
The third film completing Saleh’s co-called Cairo Trilogy interrogating the machinery of political control, “Eagles of the Republic” is described as his most emotionally layered and character-driven work yet. At its center is George Fahmy, Egypt’s most celebrated movie star, played by Fares Fares. Pressured by the country’s highest authorities to star in a government-backed prestige film, Fahmy reluctantly accepts, only to find himself drawn into the inner sanctum of political power. As he begins a dangerous affair with the general’s mysterious wife, he becomes ensnared in a world where desire, loyalty, and cinematic illusion collide with forces far beyond his control. Lyna Khoudri, Zineb Triki, Amr Waked and Cherien Dabis also star.
“Eagles of the Republic” had its world premiere in competition in Cannes, and has since gone on to screen at major festivals worldwide, including TIFF (Centerpiece selection), Stockholm (Opening Night), Sydney, Melbourne, Busan (Icon section) and AFI Fest.
In an exclusive interview with Variety ahead of the film’s Cannes premiere, Saleh described his Cairo Trilogy as being about “men trying to defeat a city that cannot be defeated.”
The acquisition was negotiated by Robert Aaronson, executive vice president of Cohen Media Group, with Nicolas Brigaud-Robert of Playtime. Cohen Media Group will release the film theatrically in the U.S. in early 2026.
“Tarik Saleh has crafted a gripping and emotionally rich political thriller that showcases remarkable performances and a story that will resonate strongly with U.S. audiences,” said Aaronson.
“Tarik delivers one of his most accomplished films with ‘Eagles of the Republic’ and we’re delighted to partner with Cohen Media Group, who are the ideal home for its U.S. release,” added Brigaud-Robert.
Saleh began his artistic life as one of Europe’s most influential graffiti artists before turning to filmmaking. His feature debut, “Metropia” (2009), premiered as the opening film of Venice Critics’ Week. “The Nile Hilton Incident” won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, earned the Guldbagge Award for Best Film, and sold more than 400,000 tickets in France. Saleh later won the Prix du Scénario (best screenplay) at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival for “Boy From Heaven,” which also received a César nomination and over 500,000 admissions in France.