The story of a group of blind footballers from Egypt who mysteriously vanished upon arrival in Warsaw, only to be discovered as sighted individuals, seems like something out of a comedy film. Yet, this astounding true-life event served as the inspiration for writer-director Hilal’s debut film, Voy! Voy! Voy!. The movie has taken Egypt by storm, reigning at the top of the box office since its release in September 2024. Not only that, but it has also been chosen as Egypt’s official submission for the Best International Feature Oscar category.
Although the premise may initially come across as light-hearted and amusing, Voy! Voy! Voy! delves into deeper social issues. Hilal recognized that this bizarre incident provided an excellent vehicle to explore the themes of illegal immigration, poverty, and the lack of opportunity prevalent in Egypt. He acknowledged the political undertones present in these social problems and aimed to weave them into the narrative. The film ingeniously combines drama and comedy, highlighting the inherent humor while maintaining a poignant commentary on pressing societal concerns.
The central character of Voy! Voy! Voy! is Hassan, a security guard living in poverty with his mother. Hassan harbors dreams of traveling and living abroad, which seem unattainable given his circumstances. However, fate leads him to discover blind football and its upcoming World Cup tournament in Europe. Craftily, Hassan seizes the opportunity and masquerades as a blind man to join the team. Throughout his journey, he encounters a host of captivating characters, including a determined female journalist trailing the team and a seasoned middle-aged coach. Anchored by Mohamed Farrag’s compelling performance, the film’s ensemble cast captivates audiences with their exceptional portrayals.
A Stellar Production
Voy! Voy! Voy! is a product of the collaboration between Vox Studios, Mohamed Hefzy’s Film Clinic, and Image Nation Abu Dhabi. The production team has spared no effort in ensuring the film’s quality and impact. The seamless blend of comedy and drama is a testament to the skillful direction of Hilal, who deftly maneuvers the tone of the story. With a supporting cast that includes Bayoumi Fouad, Taha Desouki, Amgad El-Haggar, Hanan Youssef, Mohamed Abdel-Azim, and Hagag Abdel-Azim, Voy! Voy! Voy! boasts a talented ensemble that elevates the film to new heights. Furthermore, the inclusion of renowned actress Nelly Karim, along with a special appearance by Passant Shawky, adds star power and gravitas to the already stellar lineup.
Voy! Voy! Voy! is a remarkable film that blends humor with social commentary, drawing inspiration from an incredible true story. It sheds light on important issues while providing audiences with an enjoyable and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film’s success in Egypt and recognition as the country’s official submission for the Best International Feature Oscar speaks volumes about its impact. As audiences eagerly await the release of Voy! Voy! Voy!, they can anticipate a film that will make them laugh, reflect, and appreciate the power of storytelling.