via El-Ahram
Not so frequently, a new kind of protagonist takes centre stage, and today we are focusing on animal co-stars! Following the premiere of El Bahs 3an Manfaz Le Khoroug El Sayed Rambo at the Venice Film Festival, audiences were buzzing about the red-carpet appearance made by Rambo, the dog. With that said, over the years, animals have proven to be powerful cinematic tools, whether as pivotal characters or beloved sidekicks. Either way, they have created some of the most memorable moments in cinema, touching audiences' hearts and souls.
In this piece, we explore films where animals have stepped into the spotlight, proving that they can be just as captivating as their human co-stars:
El Bahs 3an Manfaz Le Khoroug El Sayed Rambo
Premiering at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, El Bahs 3an Manfaz Le Khoroug El Sayed Rambo has captured international attention with its heartwarming narrative and its central non-human star, Rambo, the dog. The film follows Hassan, played by Essam Omar, as he embarks on a journey to rescue his loyal companion, Rambo, after a tragic accident. The bond between Hassan and Rambo is expected to transcend the typical human-animal dynamic, shedding light on themes of loyalty, alienation, and rediscovery.
Arba3a Fy Mohema Rasmeya
Egyptians often find humour in the unexpected, and Arba3a Fy Mohema Rasmeya is a prime example. In this film, the legendary Ahmed Zaki plays an employee tasked with an official mission of transporting three animals; a donkey, a monkey, and a goat. A series of comedic events follow as the animals' unpredictable nature disrupts his carefully planned journey.
El Erdaty
Similarly, El Erdaty showcases a monkey who takes on a life of crime. Initially trained by his owner to rob houses, the monkey continues his exploits solo after being abandoned. Starring Farouk El-Fishawy and Somia El-Alfy, this lighthearted film is exactly what The Rise of the Planet of the Apes would be like if it happened in Egypt.
El Shomoo3 El Sawdaa
Not all animal roles in Egyptian cinema are comedic, though. In El Shomoo3 El Sawdaa, a dog named Roy plays a critical role in guiding the film's protagonist through his daily struggles with blindness. Roy becomes not only his physical guide but also his emotional anchor. This film showcases the profound connection between humans and animals, highlighting the depth of trust and companionship that animals can offer.
Mouled Ya Donia
Mouled Ya Donia offers another heartfelt portrayal of an animal, this time a horse named Shankal. The horse becomes an integral part of the musical narrative, with an entire song dedicated to its grace and strength. The music, composed by the legendary Mohamed El Mougy, further emphasises the horse's symbolic role in the film.
19 B
Animals often symbolise deeper themes in cinema, as seen in 19 B. This film explores the theme of isolation through the eyes of a building guard who lives with a group of stray dogs and cats. These animals become his solace in this world, representing the last remnants of his connection to humanity.
Ali Me3za w Ibrahim
In Ali Me3za w Ibrahim, there's a deep bond between the lead and a goat. Ahmed Magdy stars as Ali, a young man so attached to his goat that he goes by Ali Me3za. This whimsical yet touching film reflects that, sometimes, humans can form inexplicable connections with animals, which might go beyond societal norms.
Kanghar Hobena
Bringing lighthearted fun to the screen, Kanghar Hobena revolves around a Khaled, played by Ramez Galal, who finds himself in charge of a group of kangaroos. What begins as a logistical error turns into a comedy of errors, with the real kangaroos causing chaos wherever they go.
