Egypt has officially chosen Abu Bakr Shawky’s film The Stories (Al-Qasas) as its entry for the Best International Feature Film award at the 99th Academy Awards. This cinematic work, featuring actor Amir El-Masry, positions the Egyptian-Austrian director’s latest endeavor in a competitive race for the prestigious 2027 Oscars.
Plot Overview of *The Stories*
Set in Egypt during the turbulent years from the late 1960s to the 1980s, The Stories revolves around a young man named Ahmed, who hails from a humble background and aspires to become a concert pianist. Ahmed’s life takes a significant turn when he connects with Liz, an Austrian woman, through a pen-pal program initiated in 1967. While navigating political unrest, war, and societal transformation, their long-distance relationship flourishes, paralleling Ahmed’s quest to fulfill his musical dreams.
A Stellar Cast and Production Details
In The Stories, El-Masry portrays Ahmed, alongside Austrian actress Valerie Pachner as Liz. The film’s ensemble cast also includes notable actors such as Nelly Karim and Sabry Fawaz, among others. Filming locations spanned both Egypt and Austria, enhancing the authenticity of the narrative.
Shawky draws inspiration from the real-life romance of his parents, weaving their story into the film’s exploration of major historical events that impacted Egypt between 1967 and 1984. Through Ahmed’s personal path, the film touches on pivotal themes such as family, ambition, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst crisis.
Recognition and Awards
This film marks Shawky’s third feature, following his acclaimed Yomeddine, which was presented at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018, and Hajjan, a tale centered on camel racing in Saudi Arabia. The Stories premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2025 before embarking on a successful international festival circuit. It clinched the Golden Tanit for Best Film at the Carthage Film Festival and received accolades at Austria’s Diagonale festival. The film also made an appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival prior to its theatrical launch in Egypt in June 2026.
Produced through a collaborative effort among several countries, including Austria, Egypt, France, Belgium, and Sweden, The Stories showcases a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Austrian producers Johanna Scherz and Alexander Glehr contributed to the film, while Wolfgang Thaler handled cinematography and Roland Stöttinger took charge of editing.
Implications for the Oscars
The selection for this Oscar candidacy was made by a committee formed by the Film Professions Syndicate, reviewing 36 films produced in Egypt between September 2025 and September 2026. The Stories earned a commendable 22 votes in the initial round and 14 in the subsequent final round, which considered four films.
This nomination represents a significant moment for Shawky, being his second time representing Egypt at the Oscars after Yomeddine. The Best International Feature Film category is open to submissions from non-American films primarily in languages other than English. The Academy is set to disclose its preliminary list of nominees in December 2026, followed by a shortlist announcement in January 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.
As The Stories embarks on the next phase of its Oscar campaign, it stands as a testament to the film’s international acclaim and potential for further recognition in the competitive cinematic landscape.