MUMBAI: Algerian film Masquerades that made a name in the international film circuit bringing much credence to Algerian cinema, is set to release in Dubai on 3 June. It will play till 16 July.

Produced and directed by Lyes Salem, the film was Algeria‘s official Oscar entry under the Best Foreign Film category. Masquerades, which premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) in 2008, also won the Muhr Arab Award and the Fipresci Award under the category of ‘Best Film‘. 

Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said that the screening of Masquerades in Dubai was arranged after a growing demand from discerning moviegoers for the internationally acclaimed cinema.

The film is the story of Mounir who lives with his family in the heart of the Algerian Aures. An arrogant man, he has only one dream: to finally be appreciated by his fellow citizens. He adores his sister Rym, who falls asleep anywhere and whom the village is convinced will end up a spinster. A Masquerades underscores the triumph of hope.

Incidentally Masquerades won the ‘Grand Prize‘ at the Fameca Festival; the Grand Prix at The Arabian Sights Film Festival of Washington DC; The Golden Hawk at the 9th Arab Film Festival Rotterdam; the ‘Special Jury Award‘ at the Beirut International Film Festival and the Grand Festival Prize for the Best Female Performance (Rym Takoucht) at the Festival Vues d‘Afrique Montreal, Canada.