What is the plot of Omar Hilal's film 'His Weakest Creatures'?

'His Weakest Creatures' tells the story of a zoologist in Cairo facing moral and economic challenges, with the decaying Giza Zoo serving as a metaphor for societal decline.

Who are the main stars of the Egyptian film 'His Weakest Creatures'?

The film stars two of the Arab world's most prominent actors, Hend Sabri and Ahmed Helmy, in their first on-screen pairing.

Why is the film 'His Weakest Creatures' set in 2007?

Director Omar Hilal chose 2007 to evoke a sense of 'kinder times' before the rise of pervasive social media and increased global criticism.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Egypt Zoo Story: Middle Class Struggles Unfold

Egypt Zoo Story: Middle Class Struggles Unfold

11 Dec

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Summary

Film 'His Weakest Creatures' highlights Egypt's dwindling middle class.
The story uses a decaying zoo as an analogy for social and economic strife.
Set in 2007, the film aims to recall a simpler, kinder time.

Egypt Zoo Story: Middle Class Struggles Unfold

Egyptian director Omar Hilal's latest film, "His Weakest Creatures," delves into the socio-economic landscape of Egypt through a powerful analogy. The narrative unfolds in Cairo in 2007, a time described as "kinder" and less critical than the present day. The film centers on a zoologist, portrayed by Ahmed Helmy, whose personal struggles are mirrored by the deteriorating condition of the Giza Zoo, once hailed as the "Jewel of Africa."

Hend Sabri joins Helmy as his wife, a homemaker navigating modest means and an unexpected pregnancy. Hilal intentionally chose this period to evoke nostalgia for a time predating the intense scrutiny of social media. The film aims to shed light on Egypt's middle class, a demographic he feels is increasingly underrepresented in contemporary cinema.

Hilal emphasizes the personal nature of the project, driven by his affection for animals and his observations of Cairo's shifting social fabric. He notes the exodus from traditional neighborhoods like Maadi to new compounds, reflecting a broader economic stratification. The casting of Helmy and Sabri was crucial for their ability to embody "real" characters, challenging the director to create a more compelling cinematic experience.