Egypt's Oscar Hope: 'The Stories' to Compete

Egypt has officially selected Abu Bakr Shawky's drama, 'The Stories,' to represent the nation in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The film transports viewers to Egypt during its transformative years, spanning from the late 1960s through the 1980s.

At its heart, 'The Stories' follows an aspiring Egyptian concert pianist, portrayed by Amir El-Masry. His journey is intertwined with a young Austrian girl, played by Valerie Pachner, whom he first connects with in 1967 through a simple pen pal exchange.

This long-distance friendship, initially met with suspicion by his family, gradually deepens. The Austrian woman becomes a crucial source of encouragement for the pianist, urging him to chase his artistic dreams. The film draws inspiration from the actual meeting of Shawky's parents, offering a poignant look at enduring connections.

'The Stories' previously premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2025, subsequently earning the prestigious Golden Tanit for Best Film at the Carthage Film Festival. It also featured at the Red Sea International Film Festival last December, garnering attention for its narrative and artistic merit.