Cairo Conspiracy 2023

The Al-Azhar, established by the Fatimids in 972 AD, is renowned as a hub of Islamic learning. The Grand Imam serves as the paramount authority in Sunni Islam, and throughout history, Egyptian rulers have endeavored, albeit unsuccessfully, to exert control over this revered institution.

In this gripping tale, Adam (Tawfeek Barhom), the son of a fisherman from a quaint village near El Manzala, is given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue his studies at the esteemed Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Living with his strict father, who values discipline, Adam’s father ultimately sees this opportunity as God’s will and permits him to attend.

Upon his arrival at Al-Azhar, Adam quickly befriends his roommate, Raed (Ahmed Laissaoui), who introduces him to the university’s rich environment. However, the tranquility is shattered when the Grand Imam suddenly passes away, igniting a fierce power struggle for his position. The NSA (National Security Agency), led by General Al Sakran (Mohammad Bakri), is determined to install Sheikh Beblawi (Jalal Altawil) as the new Imam. Competing against Beblawi are Sheikh Negm (Makram Khoury), a blind yet wise figure, and Sheikh Durani (Ramzi Choukair), a Salafi leader, making the stakes even higher. General Al Sakran perceives the choice of the Grand Imam as crucial to national security, given that this role is now a lifetime appointment.

As Adam navigates university life, he establishes a connection with Zizu (Mehdi Dehbi), who turns out to be an informant working under Colonel Ibrahim (Fares Fares). Zizu reveals that the council of Al-Azhar is leaning towards Sheikh Negm, putting him in a precarious position. Tragedy strikes when Zizu is murdered right before Adam’s eyes, prompting him to join Ibrahim in an attempt to uncover the truth.

When Adam seeks guidance from his village Imam, his communication is compromised, and Ibrahim manipulates the situation, warning Adam that his father’s life is at stake due to gallstones necessitating immediate surgery. In exchange for saving his father, Adam is coerced into a web of loyalty to the NSA.

To undercover more information, Adam infiltrates an extremist group led by Soliman (Sherwan Haji), accompanied by members like Nazim (Mouloud Ayad). His initial mission to gather intel reveals that these extremists, focused on Jihad, are not involved in Zizu’s death, leading Adam to realize the broader manipulation at play. As tensions escalate, he cleverly sabotages Raed by framing him as an informant, which ironically turns against him once the extremists discover his true allegiance.

In a shocking turn of events, Sheikh Negm confesses to Zizu’s murder, forcing the NSA to act against him despite his innocence. As Adam becomes further entwined in political machinations, he learns of unexpected secrets regarding Sheikh Durani’s personal life, leading to the latter’s disqualification from the Grand Imam election. Meanwhile, Beblawi emerges victorious as the newly installed Grand Imam.

As Adam digs deeper, he uncovers a sinister connection between Ibrahim and Zizu’s death, which leads to conflict within the NSA. In a series of confrontations, he is compelled by his superiors to confess to crimes he did not commit. An ultimatum is issued: capture and eliminate key figures, including Sheikh Negm, whom General Al Sakran refuses to sacrifice.

With the stakes higher than ever, Ibrahim finds himself arrested but orchestrates a crucial meeting between Adam and Negm, who plans to expose the NSA’s corrupt actions during his trial. Adam earns his freedom and returns to his home village, donning the esteemed turban of Al-Azhar. He expresses gratitude to his village Imam yet struggles to articulate the profound lessons learned. In a poignant conclusion, Adam reunites with his father on a fishing boat, signaling a return to simpler times after a tumultuous journey of discovery and courage.