We met director Omar Hilal, whose debut feature Voy! Voy! Voy! opened the second edition of Serbia’s Novi Sad Film Festival.
Omar Hilal and his first feature film Voy! Voy! Voy! had the honour of opening the second edition of Novi Sad Film Festival. We had the fortune of interviewing him and discovering more about his creative process and the inspiration behind the film.
Ramona Boban-Vlahović: Voy! Voy! Voy! is your first film. It is inspired by a true story. Can you describe the creative process behind it? How did you become interested in the story and how did you go about adding your own elements to the story to make this film?
Omar Hilal: I am always interested in stories of immigration. I grew up outside my country, and my entire family lives all over the world, so the feeling of belonging or not, is very present in my life. Times are very tough in Egypt of the majority of Egyptians, and the desire to leave is an ever-present topic, so when I read this story in the news, I thought this is the perfect vehicle to discuss the topic, being an incredibly clever way of illegal immigration, that one cannot help but smile at its cunning brilliance.
The story was there in the press, but without any details, so I had to write an imaginary scenario to who these characters are, and how they went about their audacious escape.
Ramona Boban-Vlahović: Voy! Voy! Voy! is a film about a desperate need to emigrate to Europe. How prevalent would you say this wish is in Egyptian society and what are the causes behind it?
Omar Hilal: As I said, it is extremely prevalent, and across all the classes of society. Socioeconomic strife is largely to blame, as a massive majority of the people are living hand-to-mouth. The more comfortable classes may leave to Europe seeking better opportunities to advance their careers, as Egypt has suffered a lot due to political instability and revolutions over the years.
Ramona Boban-Vlahović: Although the film revolves around a serious subject, you made it into a comedy. The audience in Novi Sad laughed from beginning to end and left the theatre in a good mood. What made you choose this genre to deal with the topic?
Omar Hilal: Illegal immigration is a dark topic. It has been a topic in cinema for decades, and especially in the last decade. I found that the true story is always met with a reaction of stupefying awe; it makes people have this smile on their face of awe at how clever those who escaped are. I wondered for almost one year on the tonality of the film, on whether I should make it heavy or lighter, and I resorted to this dark-comedy tone, because it is inherent in the true events, and I believe it may have helped it reach a wider audience.
Ramona Boban-Vlahović: There are many pointers to people turning away from cinemas more and more. But the audience was very engaged with Voy! Voy! Voy! Would you say the reason for this is an indie approach to storytelling as opposed to more financially driven Hollywood productions?
Omar Hilal: I was keen on telling this story in an approachable manner. I used a three act structure and made sure the events moved fast. I grew up watching excellent dramas and thrillers from Hollywood’s great era of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. I fully admire world cinema, and at least half my favourite films are not in the English language, however who can deny the structure adopted by a good Spielberg or Ridley Scott film?
Ramona Boban-Vlahović: The lead character, Hassan, is described from the opening scene as a hoodlum. But although he lies his way through life he is also very endearing. What would you say are the qualities that redeem him?
Omar Hilal: His struggle is very understandable. The man has little opportunity in his life, and wasn’t privileged with education, so it is totally understandable that he seeks greener pastures. Also, his genius is admirable, no matter how cunning.
Ramona Boban-Vlahović: At the end of the film it is revealed that there are many on the football team that have hidden interests. Would you say that the team depicted in the movie is a true image of Egyptian society?
Omar Hilal: I wouldn’t say a true picture meaning that we are all crooks, but I think the majority of Egyptians would flee, if they were given the chance.
Ramona Boban-Vlahović: Voy! Voy! Voy! is a very lighthearted film. Do you feel the future is as bright as your story?
Omar Hilal: The film may be lighthearted, but the end of its heroes is questionable. They aren’t really living a fabulous life, working without an official permit. These illegal immigrants often suffer in Europe. I certainly hope for any immigrants’ sake, that they meet a future brighter than the one they had back home.
