Not only is this Khaled Mansour's first feature film as a director and screenwriter, but also it is a debut for several cast and crew members, including producer Rasha Hosny, co-writer Mohamed El-Hosseiny, cinematographer Ahmed Tarek Bayoumi, and lead actor Essam Omar (known for Coat, Belly of the Whale, and Mandatory Path).

Reflecting on his choice to join the project, Omar said to Ahram Online, "I’ve read many scripts, but nothing truly resonated with me. Two years ago, Khaled approached me with Rambo, and I immediately felt it was a film I’d like to watch, and I believe audiences would too."

He emphasized that his choice of projects is always driven by a deep understanding of what will engage viewers, whether it is a comedy or a tragedy.

In the film, Omar plays Hassan, a quiet, introspective young man from a working-class neighbourhood who lives with his mother and his closest companion, his dog, Rambo. Their peaceful life is shattered by Karem, a ruthless neighbour, who forces Hassan to defend his beloved dog.

To prepare for the role, Omar trained for six months with the street dog cast as Rambo. "I went to the dog training academy not just to rehearse, but to bond with Rambo. I grew to love him, and it became a friendship that translated onto the screen," he said.

Filming began in December 2023, but Omar began immersing himself in his character months before that.

"I always search for a keyword that unlocks my character," Omar explains. "For Hassan, it was abandonment. His father left him as a child, and now he’s determined not to abandon Rambo."

The film delves into themes of loneliness, isolation, and the feeling of not belonging. Omar describes Hassan as a complex, introverted character who internalizes his emotions, even when Karem harasses him. "He avoids confrontation, which made him challenging to portray because so much of his journey is internal."

Hassan’s quiet struggles mirror the frustrations of many young Egyptians, grappling with the pressure to conform or suppress their true selves.

"It’s a universal question. Should I be myself, or do I need to change to fit into society?" Omar reflects.

In his quest to save Rambo, Hassan must confront his fears and rediscover who he truly is. His bond with Rambo is profound, almost as if they are two halves of the same soul. However, his inability to express his love for Asmaa, played by Jordanian actress Rakeen Saad, leaves him incomplete.

"Asmaa and Hassan share a delicate, unfulfilled love," said Omar. "It’s a relationship filled with deep emotion, but Hassan can’t fully express his feelings," he added.

In her turn, Rakeen Saad, an actress portraying Asmaa, underscores the film's authenticity as a factor that drew him to the production, revealing that "the story is very humane, written from the heart."

Preparing for the role required in-depth discussions with Mansour to understand Asmaa’s background and her connection with Hassan.

"Asmaa is simple and kind but struggles to express her emotions," Saad explains.

"I’m an extrovert, but Asmaa is an introvert, which was a challenge. But emotions are universal; it’s just about how they are expressed, or in her case, suppressed due to fear and insecurity."

Ahmed Bahaa, co-founder of the Sharmoofers band, plays the antagonist Karem in his acting debut.

"I’ve always wanted to act, but I waited until I was ready and found the right script," Bahaa said.

"When I read Rambo, I was captivated by the story and excited to work with such talented actors," he added.

He plays a character who despises Rambo, yet in real life, Bahaa is a dog lover.

"In fact, I have three rescue dogs at home: Mickey, Sondos, and Fula. It’s important to raise awareness about street animals and encourage kindness towards them," he said.

The film was shot in the bustling streets of Cairo, particularly in neighbourhoods like Al- Sayeda Zeinab.

"Shooting in the streets, especially in Al-Sayeda Zeinab, was tough at first, but the locals got used to us after some time," Bahaa noted.

Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo is Khaled Mansour’s feature directorial debut, following his work on commercials and short films, such as Berries Island, Al-Darwish, and Two Strangers, A Night.

The film stars Essam Omar, Rakeen Saad, Sama Ibrahim, and Ahmed Bahaa, with guest appearances by Basma and Yosra El-Lozy. It was written by Khaled Mansour and Mohamed El-Hosseiny and produced by Rasha Hosny in collaboration with Mohamed Hefzy’s Film Clinic.

After its successful debut in Venice, Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo will have its Middle East premiere this December at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where it received a production grant.