Egypt has officially selected Abu Bakr Shawky’s “The Stories” to represent the country in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The film, starring Amir El-Masry, Nelly Karim and Austrian actress Valerie Pachner, received the highest number of votes from Egypt’s selection committee, securing its place as the country’s official submission for the 2027 Oscars.
“The Stories” Represents Egypt at the 99th Academy Awards
“The Stories,” also known by its Arabic title “Al Qisas,” was written and directed by Egyptian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky.
The film was selected after a voting process involving several Egyptian productions. According to committee member Mohamed Suleiman Abdel-Malek, “The Stories” received 22 votes in the first round before leading the final round with 14 votes.
The selection makes the film Egypt’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category.
However, being selected by Egypt does not mean the film has yet received an Oscar nomination. It must first pass through the Academy’s international feature selection process before potentially reaching the shortlist and final nominations.
What Is “The Stories” About?
Set against Egypt’s political and social changes between the late 1960s and the 1980s, “The Stories” follows Ahmed, a young Egyptian pianist who dreams of traveling to Vienna.
His life begins to change after he develops a correspondence with an Austrian woman, with their relationship unfolding through letters across different stages of their lives.
The film explores ambition, friendship, love and perseverance while using Egypt’s changing social landscape as the backdrop to the story.
Amir El-Masry and Nelly Karim Lead the Cast
Amir El-Masry stars as Ahmed, while the cast also includes Nelly Karim and Valerie Pachner.
Other cast members include Ahmed Kamal, Sabry Fawaz, Amr Abed, Sherif El-Dessouky, Karim Kassem and Khaled Mokhtar.
The film is produced through a collaboration involving Film Clinic, Lagoonie Film Production and several international production partners.
“The Stories” Has Already Built an International Festival Run
Before being chosen as Egypt’s Oscar submission, “The Stories” had already appeared at several international film festivals.
The film premiered internationally at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and later participated in the Red Sea International Film Festival.
It also won the Golden Tanit for Best Feature Film at the Carthage Film Festival, adding to its international recognition ahead of its Oscar campaign.
Abu Bakr Shawky Returns to Egypt’s Oscar Race
This is not the first time a film directed by Abu Bakr Shawky has been selected to represent Egypt at the Academy Awards.
His debut feature, “Yomeddine,” was chosen as Egypt’s Oscar submission in 2018 after competing for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
“The Stories” now marks Shawky’s second time representing Egypt in the international feature race.
When Are the 99th Academy Awards?
The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Under the Academy’s rules, each eligible country can submit a film for consideration in the International Feature Film category, while selected films then move through further voting stages before the final nominees are announced.
With “The Stories” now officially carrying Egypt’s submission, the film begins the next stage of its international awards campaign ahead of the 2027 Oscars.
