The Maghreb Cinema Series presents MASQUERADES

Event information

The Maghreb Cinema Series launches with a screening of a comedy from Algeria

The screening will be preceded by a short introduction and followed by an informal discussion for those inclined to sharing their views and feelings. Come and join us for a laugh or two (or three...) in the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the Roxy

MASQUERADES (Dir. Lyès Salem, ALG/FR, 2008)

In a little town in rural Algeria life is taking its course. Mounir is a young, over proud man working as a "horticultural engineer" - hear gardener. Mounir's younger sister Rym suffers from narcolepsy, causing her to fall asleep uncontrollably. Unbeknownst to her brother, Rym has been dating his best friend Khlifa for some time. When Mounir finds out that his sister is victim to local gossip because of her condition, he is deeply wounded. Drunk, he announces that a rich foreigner has asked for her hand. To Mounir's delight, this invented story changes his social standing overnight.

Under its light-hearted surface, Masquerades is a sharp social comedy on the importance placed on status at the expense of integrity. Mounir's aspirations and contradictions are refracted back at us with pathos and acuity, and in the women we find strong and determined characters. With a tight script and fine acting all around, it is an entertaining and ambivalent piece, well-paced and full of verve.

Awards
Dubai Film Festival 2008: Best film award & Fipresci award
Cairo Film Festival 2008: Best film award
Namur Film Festival 2008: Audience award & Junior jury award
FESPACO 2009: Bronze stallion award

The screening will start at 2pm but the venue is open from 1pm serving food and drinks.

On the day of the event tickets can only be purchased on the door from 1pm.

Local Film Certificate (TBC): PG
Running time: 92 mins
In Arabic with English subtitles

Please note that the Roxy is usually open to adults aged 18 or over, but this screening is open to a younger audience (aged 8+) as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

We look forward to welcoming you!