Amir El‑Masry Lights Up Red Sea Festival as ‘The Stories’ Debuts

British‑Egyptian actor Amir El‑Masry is one of the stars of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival, which kicked off its fifth edition on Thursday night. The festival, held in Jeddah, showcased a lineup of regional and international works.

El‑Masry hit the red carpet as the lead of the opening biopic *Giant*, about UK‑Yemeni boxing legend Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed. He also appeared in competition for *The Stories*, a new Egyptian drama that will premiere at MENA on Monday.

The Stories is the third feature from writer‑director Abu Bakr Shawky, whose first film *Yomeddine* debuted in competition at Cannes in 2018 and who followed with the Saudi‑set camel‑race drama *Hajjan*.

The film follows an aspiring Egyptian concert pianist in 1967 who connects with an Austrian girl through a pen‑pal scheme; their friendship faces suspicion from his family against the backdrop of Egypt’s turbulent years from the late 1960s until the 1980s.

The cast also features Karim Kassem, Ahmed Kamal, Sabry Fawaz, Sherif El Dessouky, Khaled Mokhtar, Ahmed El Azaar and Amr Abed. Production companies include Cinenovo, Film Clinic, Lagoonie Film Production, Film Square, Shofha Productions, Film AG, Fox in the Snow and Wrong Men.

El‑Masry’s performance in *Giant* marked the festival’s opening night. The Stories will be screened during the competition lineup at the Red Sea Film Festival.

## Background & Context

The Red Sea Film Festival, held annually in Jeddah, aims to showcase Arab cinema and foster regional collaboration. Its fifth edition launched this year with a diverse program that included both local and international films.

Egyptian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky has built a reputation for socially conscious storytelling. His debut feature *Yomeddine* won acclaim at Cannes in 2018, and his subsequent film *Hajjan* explored life in a Saudi camel‑race village.

The Stories expands Shawky’s focus to the music scene of 1960s–1980s Egypt, weaving a tale of ambition, friendship and cultural tensions. The film’s premiere at the Red Sea Film Festival follows its world premiere last month at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

El‑Masry’s role as a concert pianist in The Stories highlights the personal costs of pursuing art during political upheaval. His character’s pen‑pal relationship with an Austrian girl offers a cross‑cultural perspective amid Egypt’s shifting landscape.

The film brings together a talented ensemble, including Karim Kassem, Ahmed Kamal and Sabry Fawaz. It is supported by producers from Cinenovo, Film Clinic and several other production houses.

## What Happens Next

The Stories will be screened during the competition segment of the Red Sea Film Festival on Monday. This follows its world premiere at Tallinn last month.

El‑Masry’s performance in *Giant* was showcased during the festival’s opening night. The Stories is slated for subsequent screenings that will allow international jurors to evaluate it alongside other regional works.

Following the festival, Shawky and El‑Masry may pursue further collaborations. No official plans have been announced.

As the Red Sea Film Festival continues to spotlight emerging Arab cinema, The Stories stands out as the region’s rich cultural tapestry. It also highlights the resilience of artists navigating political change.