Home / Arts and Entertainment / Filmmaker's Family Saga Captivates Audiences at Tallinn Film Festival
Filmmaker's Family Saga Captivates Audiences at Tallinn Film Festival
17 Nov
Summary
- Egyptian-Austrian director Abu Bakr Shawky's latest film, "The Stories," premiered at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
- The film is based on the true story of how Shawky's parents met as international pen pals in the 1970s
- Shawky's parents made a surprise appearance at the Q&A, sharing their personal connection to the film
In November 2025, Egyptian-Austrian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky made a triumphant return to the international film circuit with the world premiere of his latest work, "The Stories," at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia.
Shawky, known for his acclaimed past films like the 2018 Oscar submission "Yommedine," has developed a reputation for crafting deeply personal stories that resonate with audiences. "The Stories" is no exception, as it cinematically imagines the tale of Shawky's own parents - his father, who grew up in Egypt, and his mother, who hails from Austria.
