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 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia on November 12, 2023. This film follows his previous successes, including the acclaimed Yommedine, which represented Egypt at the Oscars in 2018. The premiere attracted significant attention, with attendees eager to engage Shawky in a post-screening Q&A.

Inspired by the true story of how Shawky’s parents became pen pals, the film weaves together narratives from their lives in Egypt and Austria. The storyline depicts how a letter from Austria in 1967 initiated a long-distance friendship between Ahmed, played by Amir El-Masry, and Liz, portrayed by Valerie Pachner. Their relationship, viewed with skepticism by Ahmed’s family, serves as a backdrop for a tale of aspiration and resilience, highlighting Ahmed’s pursuit of becoming a pianist despite his modest background.

The film integrates a rich tapestry of historical context, utilizing archival footage of political events, sports matches, and cultural milestones from the late 20th century. It features a diverse soundtrack, including Egyptian songs from 1967 to 1984, alongside classical compositions that enhance the narrative.

Exploring Themes of Connection and Resilience

Shawky emphasized the film’s central theme of “worlds meeting,” illustrating the intersection of different cultures and experiences. During the Q&A, he remarked, “This film is based on the true story of how my parents got together in the ‘70s, and my parents are here today.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create a cinematic homage to his family’s history, stating, “It’s about little victories in life, and little people trying to do big things.”

The filmmaker highlighted the storytelling traditions within his family, where tales grow more elaborate with each retelling. He explained, “Whenever they tell the same story, it becomes bigger and bigger and more fantastical.” Shawky aimed to capture this essence in his film, blending reality with imagination.

A Unique Production Journey

The cast includes notable actors such as Nelly Karim, Ahmed Kamal, and Khaled Mokhtar. The production team features significant talents, including producer Julie Viez, editor Roland Stöttinger, and cinematographer Wolfgang Thaler. The film’s sales are being managed by Goodfellas.

During the Q&A, Pachner humorously noted her attempts to learn Arabic for the role, stating, “I just learned a few lines… unfortunately, I forgot them all.” El-Masry shared his experience of preparing for the film, which included intensive piano training, saying, “I had about two months to learn to play Bach and Rachmaninov and an amazing teacher.”

Shawky’s parents made a cameo appearance in the film, providing an emotional connection to the narrative. His mother revealed during the Q&A, “He said it’s [snippets] about us, but it’s a lot about us.” She expressed her pride in the representation of their lives, stating, “Each and every character that is in the film… I spent many, many years with in Egypt before we even got married. All these characters really lived.”

In conclusion, The Stories stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the significance of personal history. Shawky’s innovative approach invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of identity, culture, and the bonds that connect us across distances and generations.