Masquerades
By Lyes Salem
Country: France, Algeria
Language: Arabic
Casting: Lyes Salem, Sarah Reguieg, Mohamed Bouchaïb, Rym Takoucht, Merouane Zmirli, Mourad Khen
Production year: 2008
Runtime: 01h32
Production company: Dharamsala
In a small village somewhere in Algeria, Mounir a small-time gardener is frustrated and ashamed of his status as the laughingstock in his community. When he finds out that people were mocking his narcoleptic sister, Rym, once again, he storms out in a drunken rage and exclaims that Rym is in fact engaged to be married to a European business mogul. He soon becomes the center of desire and jealousy. With the lie out in the open, the family is forced to continue this farce to retain their newfound attention and praise. Without realizing it, Mounir will change the destiny of his family and of his community.
Dubai 2008 – Best film & Fipresci award
Cairo 2008 – Best film
Namur 2008 – Audience award & Junior jury award
Fespaco 2009 – Bronze stallion
Göteborg 2009 – Critic’s week
Tribeca 2009 – Panorama
