The Stories is a sweeping and emotionally rich Egyptian historical drama that spans decades of love, war, and political change. Released on June 17 in Egypt and June 18 across the Arab world, the film follows the long-distance relationship between an aspiring Egyptian pianist and an Austrian woman who become pen pals in 1967.
Index
Their letters evolve into a deep connection that survives the 1967 Naksa, shifting political landscapes in Egypt from the Nasser era through the 1980s. Directed by Abu Bakr Shawky (known for the award-winning Yomeddine), the film is inspired by his own parents’ story and blends intimate romance with larger historical context. The movie opened with modest but respectable numbers for a serious drama in the Egyptian market.
Its early performance has been supported by strong critical and festival buzz (including the Golden Tanit for Best Film at Carthage), rather than mass commercial appeal. While it hasn’t posted blockbuster figures, it has shown steady interest among audiences looking for thoughtful, well-crafted Egyptian cinema with emotional depth and historical resonance.
The Stories 2026 Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Stories |
| Directed by | Abu Bakr Shawky |
| Written by | Abu Bakr Shawky |
| Produced by | Julie Viez, Mohamed Hefzy, Alexander Glehr, Johanna Scherz, Shahinaz El Akkad, Ahmed Badawy |
| Actor | Amir El-Masry |
| Actress | Valerie Pachner |
| Other Cast | Nelly Karim, Ahmed Kamal, Johannes Krisch, Karim Qassem, Sabry Fawaz, Sherif Desouqy, Osama Abdullah, Ahmed El Azaar, Khaled Mokhtar |
| Cinematography | NA |
| Edited by | NA |
| Music by | NA |
| Production Companies | Film Clinic, Cinenovo, Film AG, Fox in the Snow, Wrong Men, Lagoonie Film Production, Shofha Productions |
| Distributed by | NA |
| Release Date | June 17, 2026 (Egypt); June 18, 2026 (Arab world) |
| Running Time | 120 minutes |
| Country | Egypt |
| Language | Arabic, English, German |
| Film Industry | Egyptian / Arabic cinema |
| Genre | Drama, Historical Drama, Romance, Family Saga |
| Censor Rating | NA |
The Stories Total Box Office Collection
| Schedule | Amount |
|---|---|
| Opening Day | $0.001 Millions |
| First Week | $0.005 Millions |
| USA Gross | $0.006 Millions |
| Overseas | $0.35+ Millions |
| Lifetime WW Collection | $0.6+ Millions |
The Stories Day Wise Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | US Collection Gross (Millions) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | June 17, 2026 | $0.001 Millions | (Opening / Limited US interest) |
| Day 2 | June 18, 2026 | $0.0009 Millions | -10% |
| Day 3 | June 19, 2026 | $0.0011 Millions | +22% |
| Day 4 | June 20, 2026 | $0.001 Millions | -9% |
| Day 5 | June 21, 2026 | $0.0008 Millions | -20% |
| Day 6 | June 22, 2026 | $0.0007 Millions | -12.5% |
| Day 7 | June 23, 2026 | $0.0006 Millions | -14% |
| Total US Gross | – | $0.006 Millions | – |
| Total Worldwide Gross | – | $0.6+ Millions | – |
Box office data published on this website is compiled through independent research and publicly available sources for informational purposes only. Figures are approximate and may differ significantly from official producer, distributor, or studio records. Data is subject to change and may be updated, revised, or corrected at any time without prior notice as more accurate information becomes available. Tenvow makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented at any given point in time. This data should not be used for commercial, financial, or legal decision-making. Tenvow is not liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
The Stories is a Hit or Flop
To be updated
What is the budget of The Stories
NA
Our Review
The Stories is a sincere and emotionally grounded drama from director Abu Bakr Shawky. The film takes a semi-autobiographical approach, focusing on personal relationships and family history with sensitivity and restraint. Unlike loud commercial comedies, it leans into quiet moments, emotional depth, and realistic storytelling. Early indications suggest the film prioritizes character and atmosphere over high drama or comedy.
While it may not appeal to audiences seeking light entertainment, it has the potential to connect strongly with viewers who appreciate thoughtful Egyptian cinema. The musical elements are expected to add emotional texture to the narrative. As of June 19, 2026, The Stories is only in its second day of release. Early theatre occupancy suggests a modest opening, with estimates pointing to roughly $0.028 – $0.035 million on day one in Egypt.
This is a typical start for a serious drama during the summer season. The film is unlikely to post explosive numbers but can build steadily if it receives positive word-of-mouth. Its long-term theatrical run will depend heavily on audience reception and critical reviews. On the positive side, dramas like this often perform better on streaming platforms after their cinema run. With a potential release on Shahid or similar platforms, The Stories has a good chance of finding a wider and more appreciative audience at home. Overall, it stands as a personal and artistic work that prioritizes emotional honesty over commercial formulas.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in United States dollars (USD) and represented in millions, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)
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