Plot

The story line began when I visited the Army Museum in Paris. While exploring the exhibits, I happened to come across a small diorama depicting the French campaign in Egypt. What stood out to me the most was the stark contrast in quality between the figurines. The miniature soldiers and the figure of Napoleon were detailed and well-preserved, while the representations of the pyramids and the Sphinx were noticeably crude and poorly made. This unexpected contrast made me laugh, but it also sparked my imagination.

From that moment, the concept for the film started to take shape. The story revolves around the arrival of the French campaign in Egypt, focusing on a significant scene where Napoleon stands before the ancient pyramids. In this scene, a conversation unfolds between Napoleon, Kfarli, and Kleber, centered on the enduring mystery of the missing nose of the Great Sphinx. They discuss whether the nose was destroyed during the battle between the French and the Mamluks near the pyramids or if it was simply worn away over time by natural forces like wind and sand. These questions remain unanswered, surrounded by myths and lacking solid historical documentation.

The scene draws visual and thematic inspiration from the diorama in the museum. The figurines come to life through the film, transforming into characters who explore these historical enigmas through dialogue and observation. In doing so, the film blends imagination with historical reflection, highlighting both the power and the limitations of how history is visually represented.