Egyptian director Khalid Mansour has achieved a major milestone in his career with the screening of his debut feature film Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo at both the prestigious Venice Film Festival and the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. Having previously directed several short films and the mini-series Rawaa Reads (2023), Mansour is now presenting his first feature-length narrative film, an emotional and thought-provoking journey about companionship, identity, and societal challenges.
In an interview with Arab News, Mansour reflected on the significance of his film’s screenings. “Being part of one of the world’s most prominent film festivals is an extraordinary chance to connect with a broader audience and introduce myself as a filmmaker, especially considering that this is my very first feature film,” Mansour said after the Jeddah premiere.
The film, which marks the first Egyptian production to be shown at the Venice Film Festival in 12 years, revolves around the character of Hassan, who embarks on a quest to find safety for his loyal dog, Rambo, after the animal is threatened by their landlord. Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo is not just about a man’s bond with his dog—it delves deep into the human experience, examining themes of friendship, loyalty, and societal struggles that resonate with Mansour’s generation.
“This film is a reflection of my generation’s mindset,” Mansour shared. “Through Hassan’s journey, we explore themes of identity, fear, belief, and belonging. The project itself took about eight years to complete because I wanted to create something that was not just unique but deeply genuine and reflective of the human experience.”
Mansour emphasizes that the film is more than just a story about a man and his dog. “It’s a commentary on the complexities of our society and the difficulties we face, both personally and within the larger framework of the community,” he explained. The film’s inspiration stems from a real-life incident in 2015, where a dog was brutally killed on Cairo’s Al-Ahram Street, sparking outrage and widespread protests. The incident, which was filmed and went viral, led to the conviction of several individuals in an Egyptian court.
“The relationship between a man and his dog is a powerful one,” Mansour noted. “This story was born from a real event that occurred in our society, where a dog was killed in cold blood as a form of revenge. It reflects the harsh realities and deep emotions that often go unnoticed in our everyday lives.”
Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo stars a talented cast, including Essam Omar, Rakeen Saad, Ahmed Bahaa, and Samaa Ibrahim, with Rambo Brothers playing the titular canine role. The film is produced by Rasha Hosny and Mohamed Hefzy, two prominent figures in Egyptian cinema, and is set to release in cinemas across the Arab world in January 2024.
With its gripping narrative, Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo offers audiences an intimate look at the struggles and complexities of modern-day Egypt, while delivering a poignant message about loyalty, love, and the quest for safety and peace in an often tumultuous world.