If you love films with heart, history, and a bit of chaos, The Stories is about to be your new obsession. Starring Amir El-Masry as Ahmed, a young aspiring pianist navigating love, family, and war, this film takes you from summer 1967 Egypt all the way into the ’80s. Premiering at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and heading for the Red Sea International Film Festival, here’s why we’re buzzing:
1. Family Drama Done Right
The Stories shows the messy, chaotic, and loving reality of Egyptian family life. Ahmed’s cautious father, his music-loving uncle, and siblings with their own ambitions all collide in funny, heartfelt, and sometimes tense ways. You get a sense of how family shapes dreams, decisions, and even survival during turbulent times. It’s messy, it’s real, and it’s full of warmth.
2. Piano Dreams Take Center Stage
Ahmed is determined to become a professional pianist, and music drives the story. From late-night practice to performing for audiences, the piano represents his passion and resilience. The actors actually trained on piano to make it authentic, and the film’s soundtrack weaves seamlessly with the story, reflecting the highs and lows of Ahmed’s journey.
3. A Story Set in a Turbulent Era
The film starts in Egypt, summer 1967, with the looming shadow of war, and spans into the ’80s. Through Ahmed and his family, you see history unfolding: political changes, social shifts, and personal struggles. Archival footage, political speeches, football matches, and radio clips make the era feel alive, showing how ordinary people experience extraordinary times.
4. Abu Bakr Shawky — Master of Personal History
Shawky has a knack for blending intimate, personal stories with historical context. Known for his debut Yomeddine (2018), which won awards worldwide and was Egypt’s official Oscar submission, he mixes archival material, music, and performances to make history feel personal. The Stories continues this style, capturing Ahmed’s world with warmth, humor, and heart.
5. A Stellar Cast and an Austrian Spark
Amir El-Masry as Ahmed leads a strong ensemble that includes Nelly Karim as Firouz and Valérie Pachner as Liz, the Austrian pen-pal who inspires Ahmed’s dreams. The supporting cast, from Ahmed’s ambitious rival Shams to his cautious father Ragheb, adds humor, tension, and depth. The chemistry between characters makes the story feel lived-in, and Liz’s presence highlights how connections and dreams can cross borders.
Bottom Line
The Stories is more than just a movie — it’s a ride through music, family chaos, love, and history. With Amir El-Masry bringing Ahmed to life, unforgettable piano moments, and a world that feels both personal and epic, it’s the kind of film that sticks with you. War, ambition, and decades of life pass by, but the heart of the story — family, dreams, and small victories — stays with you long after the credits roll.
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