Venice Film Festival: From Concept to Cinema in Khaled Mansour’s SEEKING HAVEN FOR MR. RAMBO

Egyptian Director of Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo (Al Bahs An Manfaz l Khoroug Al Sayed Rambo) Khaled Mansour shares his journey in crafting his debut film inspired by poignant societal issues. Mansour, whose film is part of the Orizzonti Extra section at Venice, reveals how a blurry image of a young man with his Baladi dog set the stage for a narrative shaped by real-life events, including a tragic incident on Al Ahram Street.

AM: How did you creatively prepare for the film?
KM: The idea began with a blurry image I had in my mind of a young man embracing his Baladi dog on a dark street at night. A few months later, a widely publicized incident occurred on Al Ahram Street, where a group of men killed a Baladi dog in front of all the neighbors out of revenge. This inspired me to create this film in an effort to understand this society better.

AM: What significant obstacles did you encounter while filming on location?
KM: Filming on the streets can be quite challenging. We shot in real streets throughout Cairo, utilizing nearly 35 locations, and I opted for some very unique spots. Additionally, directing the dog was one of the most difficult tasks I've ever faced.

AM: Would you consider this film to be a commentary on society through Hassan’s storyline?
KM: Absolutely, it is a societal film. The story focuses on my generation and, through Hassan's journey, we delve deep into our thoughts, beliefs, fears, and sense of belonging. The film aims to explore the complexities of growing up in the MENA region, highlighting the struggles we face as we navigate societal expectations and personal aspirations. By examining Hassan's experiences, we gain insight into the broader issues affecting young people today, such as identity, culture, and the quest for connection in an ever-changing world.

AM: Having the opportunity to showcase Arab cinema at the Venice Film Festival is a noteworthy milestone. How does it feel like?
KM: Venice has always been one of my biggest dreams. Being part of one of the world's most significant cinematic events is an incredible opportunity to reach a wider audience and introduce myself as a filmmaker, especially since this film is my debut. Having my work showcased on such a prestigious platform not only validates my efforts and creativity but also opens doors for future projects. It allows me to connect with a diverse audience, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable exposure that can help shape my career in the film industry.