Abu Bakr Shawky’s ‘The Stories’ Premieres at Tallinn Festival

Egyptian-Austrian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky premiered his latest film, The Stories, at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia on July 30, 2023. Following his previous successes, including his acclaimed film Yommedine, which served as Egypt’s international Oscar submission in 2018, Shawky’s new project received significant attention, drawing a large audience eager to learn about its inspiration.

Shawky’s film is rooted in the personal history of his parents, who began as pen pals in the 1970s. The narrative explores how their worlds converged, intertwining their respective backgrounds in Egypt and Austria. The film presents five distinct stories, interspersed with archival footage, political speeches, and cultural references, including a musical backdrop of Egyptian songs from 1967 to 1984.

The synopsis describes a pivotal moment: “Egypt. Summer 1967. Ahmed receives a letter from Austria – Liz has replied to his search for a pen pal.” This correspondence sparks a long-distance friendship that faces skepticism from Ahmed’s relatives. As their relationship develops, Ahmed’s aspirations to become a pianist gain momentum, fueled by Liz’s encouragement. Together, they navigate the complexities of war, familial ties, and personal triumphs, all set against the backdrop of Egypt’s evolving landscape until the 1980s.

Creative Team and Cast Insights

Written and directed by Shawky, The Stories features a talented cast, including Amir El-Masry, known for his roles in The Crown and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and Valerie Pachner, recognized for her work in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. The production team includes producer Julie Viez, editor Roland Stöttinger, and cinematographer Wolfgang Thaler. Film sales are being managed by Goodfellas.

During a lively Q&A session following the premiere, Shawky revealed the personal significance of the film. “This film is based on the true story of how my parents got together in the ’70s, and my parents are here today,” he stated, inviting them on stage to a warm reception. He elaborated on the film’s central theme: “It’s about worlds colliding. It’s about worlds meeting. It’s about little victories in life, and little people trying to do big things.”

El-Masry, who portrayed Ahmed, recounted the extensive preparation required for his role. “I had about two months to learn to play Bach and Rachmaninoff,” he shared, highlighting the dedication involved in embodying the character’s musical journey.

Pachner, who plays Liz, added a lighthearted note about her attempts to learn Arabic for the film, humorously admitting she forgot the lines she had practiced.

A Personal Tribute to Ordinary Lives

Shawky’s parents make a cameo in The Stories, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. His mother humorously noted during the Q&A that while her son had mentioned snippets of their lives would be included, the extent of their portrayal came as a surprise. “He said it’s about us, but it’s a lot about us,” she remarked, eliciting laughter from the audience.

She concluded with gratitude for her son’s tribute to their shared history. “Each and every character that is in the film, all of these persons, I spent many, many years with in Egypt before we even got married. All these characters, really lived. Most of them have passed away now. And [my son] made a monument to all these very simple people who were always on the losing side of life, but now, actually, there’s a film about them. Thank you for this.”

As audiences embrace The Stories, Shawky continues to weave personal narratives into broader cultural tapestries, illustrating the power of storytelling to connect disparate worlds.