Risala Ela Al-Wali

Risālah 'ilā al-Wālī (Arabic: رسالة إلى الوالي, lit. 'A Message to the Governor') is a 1998 Egyptian film that blends historical drama with elements of fantasy and social critique. Directed by Nader Galal and starring Adel Emam, the film was well-received upon release for its unique storyline and engaging execution. Alongside Emam, the cast includes prominent Egyptian actors such as Yousra and Mustafa Metwalli. The film is combination of humor, drama, and political commentary. It combines a thought-provoking narrative with a portrayal of two eras.

A Message to the Governor (Arabic: رسالة إلى الوالي)
DVD cover
Directed by	Nader Galal
Written by	Bassam Ismail Bassiouny Othman
Based on	Les Visiteurs
Produced by	Wasef Fayez
Starring	Adel Emam Yousra Mustafa Metwalli Alaa' Wali Al-Deen Alaa' Mursi
Cinematography	Sameer Faraj
Music by	Moodi Emam
Release date	January 28, 1998 (1998-01-28)
Running time	125 minutes
Country	Egypt
Languages	Arabic, Egyptian Arabic

The story revolves around Harfoosẖ Bin Barqouq Al-Rakib Dar (Arabic: حرفوش بن برقوق الراكب دار, played by Adel Emam), a womanizing knight from the town of Rosetta from the late 18th century. In 1798, Napoleon enters Egypt and attacks the Rosetta region. Following the advice of the locals during the repelling of the occupation, Harfoush embarks on a mission to deliver a life-saving message to Egypt's ruler at the time, Muhammad Ali, warning of impending disaster. However, his journey takes a surprising turn when he is mysteriously transported to modern-day Cairo in 1998. Confused by the strange and fast-paced society he finds himself in, Harfoush's determination to accomplish his mission remains unwavering, driving the plot forward with moments of honest comedy and drama. As Harfoush grapples with the challenges of navigating the unfamiliar world of modern Egypt, he encounters various characters who symbolize the bureaucracy and corruption of his time and the present. Through these interactions, the film explores deeper themes of political and social justice, focusing on the perpetual struggles of the common man.

The film is one of the few Arabic movies involved in a legal case. Novelist Nabil Farouk accused the film's writer, Bassam Ismail, of stealing the story from his booklet, The Mission, from the Cocktail 2000 series. This led to a court case between Nabil Farouk and the film's writer, Bassam Ismail.

Plot

Cairo in 1798

Cairo in 1998

Set in two distinct historical periods, the movie begins in Egypt during the late 18th century under the rule of Muhammad Ali Pasha. The protagonist, Harfoush (played by Adel Emam), a charismatic yet womanizing knight, embarks on a mission to deliver a vital message to the Ruler (the Wali). Napoleon attacks Egypt in 1998, and he starts his invading from the town of Rosetta. Because of Harfoush's shrewdness and courage, the region's leaders choose him to go to Cairo to deliver the message. This message holds critical information that could save the villagers from an impending disaster: the flooding of their town due to a dam project.

As the film progresses, Harfoush encounters unforeseen obstacles while on his way to deliver the message. In a bizarre twist, he is attacked by the French and then hides in a cave, where he meets a Jinn who suddenly transports him to modern Cairo 200 years later (in 1998), without understanding how or why this time shift has occurred. This sudden jump to a completely unfamiliar era leaves him perplexed, while providing him with comedic and poignant moments as Harfoush interacts with modern Egyptian society, which he finds strange and confusing.

Throughout the film, Harfoush remains fixated on his mission. He is driven by his loyalty to his people and an unshakeable sense of duty to deliver the message that could save his village. Despite encountering countless hurdles in modern society—where he is treated as an outsider—his determination to meet the modern equivalent of the Wali, represented by a high-ranking official, never wavers.

Cast

The Battle of the Pyramids in 1798, part of the French campaign in Egypt. Painted by Louis-François Lejeune.

Napoleon in Egypt, 1798.

• Adel Emam as Harfoosẖ Bin Barqouq Al-Rakib Dar

A brave knight tasked with delivering a life-saving message to the Wali. Adel Emam's performance combines his trademark humor with a more nuanced and dramatic portrayal of an honorable yet naïve man struggling to navigate a world he doesn't understand.

• Yousra as Dr. Enas

Harfoush's love interest, a doctor who shares his anxieties about the potential destruction. Yousra's role emphasizes the emotional toll of the impending disaster and highlights the human cost of neglect by those in power.

• Mustafa Metwalli as Badou Adly

An antiquities dealer who plays a crucial role in the modern-day storyline.

• Saeed Abdel Ghani as Dr. Hesham

The director of the hospital, representing modern bureaucracy.

• Salwa Othman as Manal

The sister of Dr. Enas, who becomes involved in Harfoosẖ's journey in the present.

• Fouad Khalil as Amin

Manal's husband, a supporting character who provides comedic relief.

• Alaa Waly El Din as Dabbour

One of the individuals who time travels with Harfoosẖ to modern-day Cairo.

• Alaa Morsi as Abu El Enein

Another companion who travels through time with Harfoosẖ, adding to the mix of characters navigating the future.

• Mohammed Abu Dawood as a Major

A high-ranking officer in modern-day Cairo who crosses paths with Harfoush. He is both confused and intrigued by Harfoush's claims of time travel and his mission to see the Wali.

Muhammad Ali Mosque, where Muhammad Ali Pasha resided.

Throughout the film, Harfoush is determined to meet the governor, but when he finally reaches the governor's home at Muhammad Ali Mosque in modern-day Egypt, he finds that the governor and the country's leaders are cult images. This shows how disconnected the ruling class is from the struggles of ordinary people. The governor's character represents the lack of concern from those in power, both in the past and present.

Themes

The use of time travel in A Message to the Wali serves as a narrative device to reflect on social and political challenges. The protagonist’s journey from the past to modern times underscores recurring issues such as oppression, corruption, and social inequality. Although rooted in fantasy, the film is embedded in the realities of Egyptian society. The film also addresses the inefficiency of government institutions and highlights the frustration faced by many Egyptians dealing with bureaucratic obstacles. The depiction of the "Wali" character, in both historical and contemporary contexts, underscores how those in power may be disconnected from the people they govern.

Adel Emam’s performance enriches the film by blending humor with drama. His portrayal is noted for balancing comedic elements—particularly in scenes where he navigates modern societal norms—with a more somber message about the enduring struggles of ordinary citizens.

Production

Direction, cinematography, and storytelling

Nader Galal’s direction contributes to a visually engaging narrative that underscores the contrast between eras. His work effectively transitions from the simpler depictions of 18th-century Egypt to the lively, intricate scenes of modern-day Cairo.

The cinematography by Sameer Faraj enriches the film’s visual appeal. Changes in lighting, color schemes, and shot composition accentuate the thematic contrasts, enhancing the protagonist Harfoush’s cultural and temporal disorientation.

The script integrates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and allegory. The dialogue reflects universal human themes. The storyline is reportedly influenced by the 1993 French film Les Visiteurs, with its blend of time-traveling comedy and historical settings.

Legal issues

The film is one of the rare Arabic films that became the subject of legal proceedings. The novelist Nabil Farouk claimed that the story was stolen from a booklet he had published in his Cocktail 2000 series, specifically issue No. 16 titled "The Mission." This allegation led to a court case between Nabil Farouk and the film's writer, Bassam Ismail. The case remains unresolved to this day. It is also notable that Bassam Ismail, the film's writer, has not been active in the television or film industry since writing this film.

External links

• Risala Ela Al-Wali at IMDb
• Risala Ela Al-Wali on Letterboxd
• Risala Ela Al-Wali on Shahid.net
• Risala Ela Al-Wali on Dehliz (Arabic)
• Risala Ela Al-Wali on Arabic Movie Database (Arabic)
• Risala Ela Al-Wali on Kinopoisk (Russian)