Egypt has officially put its best foot forward, selecting Abu Bakr Shawky’s drama ‘The Stories’ as its entry for the Academy Award for best international feature film. For real, this flick sounds like it hits different. According to the report, the film draws its inspiration from a deeply personal place: the compelling origin story of Shawky’s own parents, who began their romance as pen pals across continents. This kind of authentic, heartfelt narrative often resonates big time with Academy voters, so this selection is straight up a strong move.
The film delves into the fascinating cross-cultural journey of Shawky’s Egyptian father, Ahmed, a hopeful pianist in Cairo back in 1967, and his Austrian mother, Liz. Their correspondence blossomed into a love affair, providing the emotional core for ‘The Stories’. Spanning from the vibrant late ’60s through the transformative ’80s, the movie promises to offer a unique lens on life in Egypt during that era, filtered through the director’s distinctive cross-cultural vision. This historical backdrop, combined with a universal tale of connection, makes for a narrative that could truly captivate audiences globally.
Shawky isn’t new to making waves on the international film circuit. He first caught the world’s attention with his debut feature, ‘Yomeddine’, which earned the rare distinction of competing at Cannes in 2018. He followed that up with ‘Hajjan’, a travel movie set in Saudi Arabia, which premiered at the Red Sea Film Festival in 2023. These prior successes demonstrate a consistent artistic voice and a knack for storytelling that transcends borders, building a solid foundation for ‘The Stories’ on its journey to the Oscars.
‘The Stories’ features a powerhouse cast, with British-Egyptian actor Amir El-Masry, Austria’s Valerie Pachner, and Egyptian star Nelly Karim taking the lead roles. This blend of international and regional talent not only speaks to the film’s cross-cultural theme but also brings serious acting chops to the table. The film has already garnered significant buzz and accolades, world premiering at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2025 and bagging the Golden Tanit for best film at the Carthage Film Festival in Tunisia. It also screened at the Red Sea fest last December, proving its appeal across various prestigious festivals.
The road to Oscar glory is always a nail-biter, but ‘The Stories’ is already off to a promising start. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to announce the shortlist for the 2027 Oscar nominations on December 15, with the final nominees revealed on January 21. All eyes will then turn to Los Angeles for the 99th Academy Awards ceremony, scheduled for March 14, where the best international feature will ultimately be crowned. It’s an exciting time for Egyptian cinema, and this film’s journey is one to watch, no cap.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
