On Wednesday, Sweden proudly announced its official contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the prestigious Academy Awards 2026: "Eagles of the Republic." This political thriller, penned and helmed by Tarik Saleh (renowned for his dark and intricately plotted conspiracy dramas), stars Fares Fares, Lyna Khoudri, and Zineb Triki, and is set against the backdrop of Egypt's powerful and glamorous film industry.
In the film's synopsis, "its brightest shining star gets ensnared in a treacherous underworld of deceit, corruption, and propaganda," painting a vivid picture of the movie's gripping narrative. Having made its global debut at the Cannes Film Festival in March, amidst the main international competition, "Eagles of the Republic" garnered acclaim, with THR hailing it as a "dark and clever conspiracy thriller" that resonates with timely relevance.
The film's journey continues as it prepares for its screening in the Centrepiece section of the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival and opens the Stockholm International Film Festival this year. SF Studios will distribute the film across Nordic territories, with a theatrical release slated for the fall.
"Eagles of the Republic" marks the culmination of Tarik Saleh's Cairo trilogy, following "The Nile Hilton Incident" (which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2017) and "Cairo Conspiracy," also known as "Boy From Heaven" (awarded Best Screenplay at Cannes 2022). Shot in Istanbul last spring and summer, the production wrapped up in Gothenburg.
Saleh expressed his delight, stating, "We are honored to have been chosen to represent Sweden in such a banner year for Swedish cinema. Our journey has just begun, but it will be all the more exhilarating to screen the film in Toronto with this accolade under our belt."
Previously, Saleh's "Cairo Conspiracy" made it to the international Oscar shortlist but ultimately missed out on a nomination. Sweden has claimed three international Oscars, all thanks to Ingmar Bergman, with his 1982 film "Fanny and Alexander" being the most recent victory.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 15.
