'Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo' Heads to Carthage and Competes for the Tanit d'Or

 

Director Khaled Mansour and producer Rasha Hosny took part in the activities of the 35th Carthage Film Days as “Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo” competes for the Tanit d’Or with 14 films in the official competition for feature films., which concludes on December 21.

 

Three screenings are scheduled to be held within the proceedings of the festival; on December 18th at L’Opera, on December 19th at ABC, and on December 20th at El Hamibra Zephyr. 

 

As for screening the film in more than one festival to different audiences and the feedback of audiences from several countries, director Mansour mentioned that what makes him feel happier is that the audience, in various categories, watch the film and interact with it. 

 

Mansour added, "Since the moment I first thought of presenting a cinematic work, my objective was to take part in festivals, so that audiences with different backgrounds could watch it on a large scale and learn more about it. The audience's opinions, starting with the film's screening at the Venice Film Festival and the Red Sea, along with the feedback I've received from Belgium and Iraq, the film's participation in multiple festivals, and the attendance of critics, journalists and audience from different countries, prove that everyone was touched by the film despite their different languages and backgrounds. This made me happy and eager to know the audience's opinions when the film was released in Egyptian cinemas, for they are my family and home".

 

Mansour continued, "It's great when someone anywhere in the world can feel the emotions you try to convey and relate to them. That's why I love art, whether cinema or music. It is one of the grandest gifts an artist can receive".

 

Recently, "Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo" has received the Jury Award at the fourth Red Sea Film Festival, announced by Hollywood star Minnie Driver, who praised the film, saying: "All the films that were evaluated by the official competition jury were excellent, which made it so hard for us. However, the film that was selected for the award touched our hearts, especially since it is related to animals. The film was unanimously chosen by the jury. That's why director Khaled Mansour, producer Rasha Hosny, and star Essam Omar were nominated".

 

After receiving the award, director Mansour stressed his happiness to take part in the festival, which is so special for him. Moreover, he dedicated the award to the film's team, saying: "I dedicate this award to the city that inspired me; Cairo".

 

He added, "The Red Sea journey is over. It is a great journey that started in 2021 with the participation of the film's script in the Red Sea Lab and ended with the first Arab screening and the Jury Award chaired by Spike Lee; one of the most prominent filmmakers in the world. Lee expressed his great admiration for the film and requested a photo with Essam Omar, for he was impressed with his performance. He noted, "I'm pleased, proud and excited that the film is to be released in cinemas as of January 1st".

 

"Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo" tells the story of "Hassan", a young man in his thirties who rediscovers himself on a quest to save his dog and best friend "Rambo". He is forced to confront the fears of his past. Hence, "Hassan" seeks to save himself and "Rambo" from an unknown fate after getting involved in a serious incident without guilt. Overnight, his neighbour, Karem, as well as the residents of the neighbourhood, start chasing him. The events also shed light on multiple details in Hassan's life and his relationship with those around him.

 

The film is director Khaled Mansour's first feature-length narrative after directing a number of short films that were screened in several international and regional festivals. It is written by screenwriter Mohamed El-Hosseiny, starring rising actor Essam Omar, as his first cinematic experience, Rakin Saad, Sama Ibrahim, co-founder of the musical group Sharmoofers, Ahmed Bahaa, as his first acting experience, Sama Ibrahim, and other young talents and guest stars.