Filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky, known for his distinctive narrative voice, returns with "The Stories," a poignant drama that delves into the origins of his own family. The film chronicles the unlikely love affair between his Egyptian father, Ahmed, an aspiring pianist in Cairo, and his Austrian mother, Liz, who began their connection as pen pals in 1967. Spanning from the late 1960s into the 1980s, "The Stories" offers a rich tapestry of life in Egypt during that era, viewed through the unique cross-cultural lens that has profoundly shaped Shawky's artistic vision.

Shawky is no stranger to international recognition. His debut feature, "Yomeddine," made a significant splash by securing a coveted spot in the competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018 – a rare feat for an Egyptian production. He followed this success with "Hajjan," a travel film set in Saudi Arabia, which premiered at the Red Sea Film Festival in 2023. His consistent presence on the global festival stage underscores his growing influence in contemporary cinema.

"The Stories" boasts an impressive international cast, featuring British-Egyptian actor Amir El-Masry, recognized for his role in "The Crown," alongside Austria's Valerie Pachner, known from "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore," and acclaimed Egyptian star Nelly Karim, who recently appeared in "Voy! Voy! Voy!" The film is a collaborative effort, with a team of producers including Julie Viez, Mohamed Hefzy, Alexander Glehr, Johanna Scherz, Shahinaz El Akkad, and Ahmed Badawy. A consortium of production companies, including Cinenovo, Film Clinic, Lagoonie Film Production, Film Square, Shofha Productions, Film AG, Fox in the Snow, and Wrong Men, backed the ambitious project.

The film has already made a notable impact on the festival circuit. It held its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2025 and subsequently earned the prestigious Golden Tanit for best film at Tunisia's Carthage Film Festival. "The Stories" also screened at the Red Sea Film Festival last December, further cementing its international appeal and critical reception.

With Egypt's official submission now confirmed, "The Stories" will vie for a spot on the coveted Oscar shortlist, which the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is slated to announce on December 15. The final nominations for the 99th Academy Awards are expected on January 21, leading up to the grand ceremony scheduled for March 14 in Los Angeles. The selection marks a significant moment for Egyptian cinema on the world stage, highlighting a deeply personal story with universal resonance.