Egypt has chosen ‘The Stories’ by Abu Bakr Shawky as its entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature, highlighting a personal narrative inspired by the director's family history.
On September 22, 2026, it was announced that Egypt has officially selected Abu Bakr Shawky’s film ‘The Stories’ as its entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. This development was reported by Variety, marking a significant moment for Shawky and his film, drawing inspiration from the personal love story between his Egyptian father and Austrian mother.
‘The Stories’ examines the cross-cultural romance that began through letters in the late 1960s. The film portrays life in Egypt during that era and reflects Shawky’s artistic vision shaped by his family background. Shawky’s father, Ahmed, was an aspiring pianist in Cairo when he became pen pals with Liz, his future wife from Austria.
The narrative spans from the 1960s to the 1980s, depicting the evolution of their relationship and the socio-cultural landscape of Egypt during the period. The film serves as both a familial tribute and an exploration of broader themes relevant to its audience, offering insights into cross-cultural encounters and the complexities of love.
Shawky first gained international recognition with his award-winning film ‘Yomeddine,’ which premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Following that success, he directed ‘Hajjan,’ a travel film showcased at the Red Sea Film Festival in 2023.
‘The Stories’ features a notable cast, including British-Egyptian actor Amir El-Masry, Austrian actress Valerie Pachner, and Egyptian star Nelly Karim. Produced by a diverse team of collaborators and companies spanning several countries, the film has already had a successful festival circuit, making its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2025, where it won the Golden Tanit for Best Film at the Carthage Film Festival in Tunisia.
As the Oscar season approaches, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to announce the shortlist for nominations on December 15, with the final nominees revealed on January 21. The 99th Academy Awards will take place on March 14 in Los Angeles. This timeline adds urgency to Shawky's entry as he competes with films from around the world for this prestigious accolade.
The selection of ‘The Stories’ underscores Egypt’s commitment to showcasing its cultural narratives on the international stage. Shawky's film not only represents the personal journey of his family but also highlights the rich tapestry of Egyptian society. With potential for wider audience engagement, this announcement positions Shawky as a rising figure in global cinema, continuing to build on the success of his previous works and reflecting a broader interest in diverse storytelling in contemporary film.
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