Tick Tick Boom

Feature film

This feature film is a slapstick comedy set in a working-class neighbourhood in the wake of the 25 January 2011 revolution. The film revolves around ‘Tika’ (Mohamed Sa’ad), an unlikely hero, who sells fireworks for a living. Tika finds himself responsible for protecting his neighbourhood from thugs who have escaped from prisons during the revolution, referencing an actual event that occurred during the 18 days. At the end of the film, Tika gives a speech on how the police should act with kindness towards people and give them security. He tells a police officer that only when he has safety will he be able to say, “long live Egypt”.

Notably, the film focuses on the negative impacts of the revolution on poor neighbourhoods, such as Tika’s – in contrast to the mostly celebratory representations of the 2011 uprising in film.

The actor Sa’ad is well known for playing the comedic character of El-Limby—a poor, illiterate man, who is constantly drunk or stoned, and forever down on his luck, in a series of films in the 2000s. These popular films are relatable for representing the daily struggles of ordinary Egyptians.

Written by and starring Mohammed Saad, directed by Ashraf Fayek

Zaher Mohamed published via YouTube.com

Arabic

30/08/2011