Egyptian-Austrian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky premiered his latest film, The Stories, at the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia on November 19, 2023. Following his successful prior works, including the Oscar submission Yommedine, Shawky’s new film captivated audiences with its unique narrative inspired by his parents’ journey as pen pals.
Shawky’s film intertwines the stories of his father, who grew up in Egypt, and his mother from Austria. The narrative begins in 1967 when Ahmed, the protagonist, receives a letter from Liz, marking the start of a long-distance friendship that faces skepticism from his family. As the film unfolds, it highlights Ahmed’s pursuit of becoming a pianist despite his humble beginnings, driven by Liz’s encouragement toward his dream of a public concert. The film spans key historical moments in Egypt, illustrating the personal and political upheavals from the 1960s to the 1980s.
The film uniquely combines archival footage, including political speeches and cultural events, enhancing its storytelling. “Egypt. Summer 1967. Ahmed receives a letter from Austria – Liz has replied to his search for a pen pal,” the synopsis reads, capturing the essence of the narrative. The soundtrack features a rich array of Egyptian music from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, alongside classical compositions.
Shawky, who wrote and directed the film, shared insights during a Q&A session following the premiere. He expressed, “This film is based on the true story of how my parents got together in the ‘70s,” and emphasized its theme of “worlds colliding.” He described the film as a portrayal of “little victories in life and little people trying to do big things.”
The cast includes notable actors Amir El-Masry, known for his roles in The Crown and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and Valerie Pachner, recognized for her performances in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. The film’s production team features Julie Viez as producer, Roland Stöttinger as editor, and Wolfgang Thaler as cinematographer. Film sales are being managed by Goodfellas.
During the Q&A, Shawky reflected on the storytelling traditions in his family, noting, “Whenever they tell the same story, it becomes bigger and bigger,” leading him to explore the balance between reality and fiction in his narrative. He humorously acknowledged the artistic liberties taken in the film, stating, “In reality, they were much more normal, but this is how I imagined them.”
Pachner’s commitment to authenticity extended to her learning a few Arabic lines for the film, though she joked about forgetting them. El-Masry recounted the challenges of preparing for his role, which required him to learn classical piano pieces under tight deadlines, showcasing the dedication involved in bringing the characters to life.
Shawky’s parents made cameo appearances in The Stories, a fact revealed to the audience during the Q&A, eliciting laughter and applause. His mother shared her surprise at the extent of their family’s story being depicted on screen, remarking, “He said it’s [snippets] about us, but it’s a lot about us.”
Concluding the session, she expressed gratitude for the film’s tribute to their community, stating, “Each and every character that is in the film… made a monument to all these very simple people who were always on the losing side of life.”
As The Stories begins its journey through international film festivals, it promises to resonate with audiences through its heartfelt narrative and rich cultural backdrop.
