In a bizarre turn of events, a team of blind footballers from Egypt vanished into thin air after it was discovered that they were not visually impaired. This extraordinary incident caught the attention of writer-director Hilal, who found inspiration in the absurdity of the situation. Hilal’s directorial debut, “Voy! Voy! Voy!”, takes this true-life event as its premise and transforms it into a hilarious comedy that delves into issues of illegal immigration, poverty, and political commentary. With an ensemble cast led by Mohamed Farrag, the film has not only dominated the Egyptian box office but has also been chosen as Egypt’s official submission for the 2024 Best International Feature Oscar category.
The story of the fake blind football team serves as a perfect vessel for Hilal to explore pressing social issues in Egypt. With the rampant problem of illegal immigration, poverty, and limited opportunities, the film raises awareness in a comedic and entertaining manner. Hilal expertly balances the comedic and dramatic aspects, understanding that the inherent humor of the situation can effectively convey the underlying social commentary. The film’s tone reflects the absurdity of reality while shedding light on the political and social challenges faced by many Egyptians.
“Voy! Voy! Voy!” centers around the character of Hassan, a security guard living in poverty with his mother. Dreaming of a better life and the opportunity to travel abroad, Hassan stumbles upon blind football and seizes a cunning opportunity. Posing as a blind man, he joins a team that is on the brink of participating in a World Cup tournament in Europe. Throughout his journey, Hassan encounters various individuals, including a determined female journalist and a middle-aged coach. The film’s ensemble cast brings these characters to life, with Mohamed Farrag leading the way. Bayoumi Fouad, Taha Desouki, Amgad El-Haggar, Hanan Youssef, Mohamed Abdel-Azim, and Hagag Abdel-Azim also contribute to the comedic and dramatic elements of the story. Additionally, renowned actress Nelly Karim makes a special appearance, adding to the film’s star power.
“Voy! Voy! Voy!” is a product of collaboration between Vox Studios, Mohamed Hefzy’s Film Clinic, and Image Nation Abu Dhabi. This partnership has resulted in a film that not only entertains but also sheds light on critical societal issues. The combined expertise and resources of these studios have given the movie a strong production quality that has resonated with audiences in Egypt and beyond.
“Voy! Voy! Voy!” presents a lighthearted yet thought-provoking story based on the astonishing real-life incident of a fake blind football team that vanished mysteriously. With its comedic approach, the film effectively explores issues of illegal immigration, poverty, and political challenges faced by many individuals in Egypt. Led by a talented ensemble cast and supported by a collaboration of notable studios, this directorial debut has made a significant impact on the Egyptian box office and has been recognized as Egypt’s submission for the Best International Feature Oscar. Prepare yourself for a captivating and hilarious journey filled with deception, social commentary, and unexpected turns.