Dissecting Heya Fawda: A Cinematic Exploration of Egyptian Society

By: Yasmina Toumi 

In 2007, Egyptian cinema witnessed the release of Heya Fawda, which is Arabic for “Chaos, It Is.” The film offers a thought-provoking portrayal of contemporary Egyptian society. Directors Youssef Chahine and Khaled Youssef delve deep into the intricacies of Egyptian urban life, shedding light on the multifaceted issues plaguing the nation. Through its narrative and characters, Heya Fawda offers a compelling critique of societal norms, corruption, and the struggle for justice. The film’s target is the erosion of citizens’ rights and the rise of corruption.  

The idea of one bad-apple police officer is introduced through the character of Hatem. The film focuses on Hatem as a corrupt police officer in Cairo who rules the neighborhood like that of a mob moss. He threatens his fellow Egyptians and fixes their problems, most of which he has created, in exchange for sums of money. Hatem also keeps political dissidents in the basement of the local police station. He tortures them and keeps them locked away against orders to release them from young district attorney Sherif. Sherif is the son of a schoolteacher who mentors a young former student named Nour. Nour is madly in love with Sherif who is, against his mother’s wishes, dating a young woman who smokes marijuana, likes to drink, goes dancing, and has tattoos. 

Sherif’s girlfriends acts as an embellished symbol of Western influence. Nour however is the epitome of a nice young Egyptian woman. She is intelligent, reserved, and respectful. Nour is every mother’s dream match for their son.  

Unfortunately, she is also the subject of Hatem’s desire. The obsession that the brutally corrupt police officer has with the young woman is unhealthy. He watches her from his window as she showers. He breaks into her apartment and steals her personal items to sleep with. He even purchases a life-size inappropriate picture of her that he created. Nour shuts Hatem down multiple times despite his persistence. The obsession turns dangerous when Nour and Sherif become engaged. Hatem ends up kidnapping and sexually assaulting Nour. This tragic act is what ultimately leads the people to rebel against Hatem. The neighborhood bands together and riots outside the police station. The secret prisoners are found and freed and the mob surrounding the police station keeps Hatem from fleeing.  

Despite the heavy and serious subject matter in the film there are dramatic and embellished elements to the film that keeps it from getting too heavy. The movie has a soap opera like feel to it. There are Bollywood themes through smoldering glances and prostitute dance numbers. Even the character of Hatem has the qualities that of a buffoon villain in a cartoon. This is to say that the directors managed to bring theatrical and somewhat light moments to a serious subject matter. The film does not shy away from highlighting serious issues like corrupt government officials, torture, blackmail, gender imbalances, sexual assault, and more. In conclusion, Heya Fawda emerges not only as a touching cinematic critique of contemporary Egyptian society, exposing the rot of corruption and the struggle for justice, but also as a testament to the resilience of communities against oppressive forces, balancing serious social commentary with theatrical elements that both captivate and provoke reflection.  

Works Cited 

Bennett, Ray, and The Associated Press. “Chaos (Heya Fawda).” The Hollywood Reporter, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2011, www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/moviereviews/chaos-heya-fawda-159517/.

Marshall2007-09-11T16:39:00+01:00, Lee. “Chaos (Heya Fawda).” Screen, 11 Sept. 2007,www.screendaily.com/chaos-heyafawda/4034520.article#:~:text=The%20film%20is%20peppered%20with,a%20narro w%2Dminded%20Islamic%20party.

Heya Fawda. Directed by Youssef Chahine, Khaled Youssef, Performances by Khaled Saleh, 

Menna Shalabi, and Youssef El Sherif, Misr International, 3 B Productions, 2007.