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

Egyptian-Austrian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky premiered his latest film, The Stories, at the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in Estonia on November 19, 2023. The film, which draws inspiration from his parents’ unique relationship as international pen pals, garnered significant attention during its world premiere, reflecting Shawky’s growing reputation in the film industry following earlier successes such as Yommedine.

Shawky’s new work intricately weaves together five narratives, presenting a blend of archival footage, including political speeches and sports events, alongside dramatized scenes. The film features a musical backdrop of Egyptian songs spanning from 1967 to 1984, punctuated by classical music elements.

Set in Egypt during the summer of 1967, the film follows Ahmed, who receives a letter from his pen pal, Liz, in Austria. This correspondence develops into a long-distance friendship that faces skepticism from Ahmed’s relatives. As the story unfolds, viewers witness Ahmed’s ambitions to become a pianist, inspired by Liz, against the backdrop of personal and national challenges.

The cast of The Stories includes prominent actors such as Amir El-Masry, known for 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. Other notable actors include Nelly Karim, Ahmed Kamal, and Khaled Mokhtar. The film was produced by Julie Viez and edited by Roland Stöttinger, with cinematography by Wolfgang Thaler.

During the Q&A session following the premiere, Shawky expressed that The Stories is deeply rooted in his family’s history. He welcomed his parents to the stage, saying, “This film is based on the true story of how my parents got together in the ‘70s.” He described the film as a portrayal of “worlds colliding” and “little victories in life.”

Shawky elaborated on the storytelling traditions within his family, noting how tales evolve and become more fantastical over time. He stated, “Most of what’s happening is fiction, but it’s based on reality, which is how my parents got together when they were writing letters to each other in the ‘70s.”

Pachner added her experience of learning Arabic for the film, humorously admitting, “Unfortunately, I forgot them all.” El-Masry reflected on the challenges of preparing for his role, which included mastering classical piano pieces.

As a personal touch, Shawky’s parents appear in a cameo within the film. His mother light-heartedly remarked during the Q&A that while Shawky informed them about snippets of their lives being portrayed, the full extent of their story was not disclosed. “He said it’s about us, but it’s a lot about us,” she noted, drawing laughter from the audience.

In a heartfelt conclusion, she expressed gratitude for the film, stating, “Each and every character that is in the film… 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.”

Shawky’s work continues to resonate, showcasing the intersection of personal narrative and broader societal themes, making The Stories a significant addition to contemporary cinema.