Abu Bakr Shawky Premieres ‘The Stories’ at Tallinn Festival

Filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky debuted his latest film, The Stories, at the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia on November 26, 2023. Following his notable works, including the Oscar-submitted film Yommedine, Shawky’s new project attracted significant attention, drawing a large audience eager to learn more during a subsequent Q&A session.

The film, inspired by the story of Shawky’s parents, explores their unique backgrounds—his father from Egypt and his mother from Austria. It begins with their initial connection as pen pals, evolving into a narrative that intertwines their personal histories with broader themes of cultural intersection. The Stories features five interconnected tales, using a blend of archival footage, including political speeches and sports events, alongside acted scenes that highlight the characters’ lives.

The synopsis reveals a poignant journey: “Egypt. Summer 1967. Ahmed receives a letter from Austria – Liz has replied to his search for a pen pal.” The long-distance friendship that develops is met with skepticism from Ahmed’s relatives, while he strives to become a pianist despite his humble social standing. The film captures the duo’s shared aspirations and challenges against the backdrop of significant historical events that shaped Egypt until the 1980s.

Shawky leads the project as both writer and director, with a cast featuring Amir El-Masry and Valerie Pachner, supported by Nelly Karim, Ahmed Kamal, and Khaled Mokhtar. The production, managed by Julie Viez, includes editing by Roland Stöttinger and cinematography by Wolfgang Thaler. Sales are being handled by Goodfellas.

During the premiere, Shawky expressed his motivation: “This film is based on the true story of how my parents got together in the ‘70s, and my parents are here today.” He emphasized the film’s theme of cultural convergence, stating, “It’s about worlds colliding. It’s about worlds meeting. It’s about little victories in life, and little people trying to do big things.”

In the Q&A, Shawky also reflected on the storytelling tradition in his family, noting, “Whenever they tell the same story, it becomes bigger and bigger and more fantastical.” He aimed to portray the essence of these narratives while staying true to the reality of his parents’ relationship.

Pachner humorously shared her experience learning Arabic for the film, admitting, “Unfortunately, I forgot them all.” El-Masry discussed the intensive preparation he underwent, stating, “I had about two months to learn to play Bach and Rachmaninov,” underscoring the dedication and craft involved in the film.

Shawky’s parents, present at the premiere, revealed their surprise at the film’s depth. His mother remarked, “He said it’s [snippets] about us, but it’s a lot about us.” She expressed gratitude for the portrayal of their shared past, celebrating the representation of ordinary lives that have often gone unnoticed. “Each and every character that is in the film… I spent many, many years with in Egypt before we even got married,” she concluded, highlighting the film’s homage to those who have shaped their lives.

As The Stories continues to resonate with audiences, it stands as a testament to the power of personal narratives and the enduring connections that bridge cultures across time and distance.