Sweden has officially selected Tarik Saleh’s political thriller, Eagles of the Republic, as its submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, set to take place in March 2026.
A compelling continuation of Saleh’s acclaimed Cairo trilogy, the film stars Fares Fares as George Fahmy—Egypt’s leading actor—who is coerced into starring in a propaganda film by a dictatorial regime.
Celebrated by the Swedish Film Institute for its powerful storytelling, cinematography, and performance, Eagles of the Republic continued its festival momentum by screening at Cannes’ main competition and is slated to premiere in Sweden on November 14.
Saleh expressed his pride in Sweden choosing an Arabic-language film featuring Fares Fares in a lead role—highlighting the country’s embrace of diverse narratives. Following screenings in Toronto, the film will enter a focused campaign in the U.S. for Academy attention.
Why It Matters for AVGC & Global Cinema
| Insight | Implication |
|---|---|
| Cross-Cultural Storytelling | Mirrors rising recognition for stories that bridge global perspectives and creative cultures. |
| Narrative & Technical Craft | Highlighted for emotional depth, visual storytelling, and voice—reflecting high AVGC standards. |
| Strategic Oscar Positioning | Builds on Sweden’s tradition of impactful submissions, including Boy from Heaven (2022). |
| Festival-to-Awards Pipeline | Cannes exposure and national backing prime the film for campaign success in the global AVGC awards ecosystem. |
