Worldwide rights to the film are managed by GoodFellas, while distribution across the MENA region is overseen by Film Clinic Indie Distribution.
The Stories, a tale of love, ambition and family that unfolds across decades, will make its Arab World premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival on December 8, 2025. The film arrives in the region following its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, marking the return of director Abu Bakr Shawky with a story crafted to resonate deeply with audiences.
The feature stars Amir El Masry, Nelly Karim, Valerie Pachner, Karim Kassem, Ahmed Kamal, Sabry Fawaz, Sherif El Dessouky, Khaled Mokhtar, Ahmed El Azaar and Amr Abed. At its center is Ahmed, an aspiring pianist whose long-distance friendship with an Austrian pen pal evolves into something profound as he comes of age amid the turbulence, conflicts, hopes and transformations that shaped Egypt up until the 1980s. Through personal and political upheaval, the film explores how bonds endure and dreams persist.
The Stories is produced by Cinenovo, Film Clinic, Lagoonie Film Production, Film Square, Shofha Productions, Film AG, Fox in the Snow and Wrong Men. The project is co-produced by the Red Sea Fund, with additional support from ÖFI+, the Austrian Film Institute, Vienna Film Fund, Région Île-de-France / Paris Région, Lower Austria, the Belgian Federal Government’s Tax Shelter, BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance, the Doha Film Institute and Aide aux cinémas du monde, as well as in cooperation with ORF Film/Fernseh-Abkommen. GoodFellas is handling worldwide sales, while Film Clinic Indie Distribution is managing distribution across the MENA region.
The creative team includes cinematographer Wolfgang Thaler, production designer Hend Abdelrazek Haider, editor Roland Stöttinger and costume designer Reem El Adl. Filming took place in both Cairo and Vienna, reflecting the cross-cultural journey at the heart of the narrative.
Ahead of its festival premiere, a newly released teaser offers audiences a first look at the film’s emotional depth, historical breadth and visually rich storytelling.
Director and writer Abu Bakr Shawky said: “The Stories is a reflection on the power of love, human connection, and the moments that shape who we become. We’re honored to bring this film to the Red Sea International Film Festival and share our journey with audiences across the region.”
