Egypt has selected Abu Bakr Shawky’s “The Stories” to represent the country in the “Best International Feature Film” category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The Egyptian-Austrian director based the film on his own parents’ experiences. Set between the late 1960’s and the 1980’s, the film follows Ahmed, a young Egyptian from a modest family who dreams of becoming a concert pianist. His life takes a new turn when he begins corresponding with Liz, an Austrian woman. Their long-distance relationship gradually deepens as Ahmed struggles to pursue his musical ambitions amidst his country’s political upheaval, war and social changes.
The Stories premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2025. At the 36th Carthage Film Festival it won the Tanit d’Or.
The Film Professions Syndicate selected the film from among 36 competing Egyptian entries. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the nominees in January 2027.
Sources: Broadcast Pro, Good Fellas
