Film guide 2008
Masquerades
An invented engagement turns a village’s hunger for prestige into an increasingly complicated family comedy.
- Original title
- Mascarades
- Director
- Lyes Salem
- Year
- 2008
Editorial profile. Availability on LAREINE TV has not been confirmed.
Story, without spoilers
Mounir wants his neighbours to respect him and stop mocking his sister Rym, who has narcolepsy. One evening he announces that a wealthy foreign businessman wants to marry her. The claim transforms his standing, while Rym’s own attachment to Khliffa complicates the elaborate performance.
Context & recognition
Lyes Salem both directs and plays Mounir. Filmed in the Aurès, the comedy uses romantic misunderstandings and social ambition to examine appearances, masculine pride and the room women make for their own choices.
Main characters & cast
Mounir
Lyes Salem
A boastful brother eager for the village’s respect.
Rym
Sarah Reguieg
His sister, whose future others presume to arrange.
Khliffa
Mohamed Bouchaïb
Mounir’s friend and Rym’s secret sweetheart.
