A documentary film about the Egyptian revolution is on the nomination shortlist for next year's Oscars.

The Square is an immersive experience that transports viewers into the intense emotional dramas and personal stories behind the January 2011 uprising and its aftermath. It is the inspirational story of young people demanding their rights and building friendships across political lines.

The Egyptian-American documentary, which is directed by Jehane Noujaim, stars Khalid Abdalla, Magdy Ashour, Aida El-Kashef, Ramy Essam, Ahmed Hassan and Ragia Omran.

The film won the People's Choice Documentary Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2013, and the Audience Award at Sundance 2013.

'The Square' is among 15 international films in the shortlist announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday.

Among other entries are Tim’s Vermeer by High Delft Pictures, Dirty Wars by Civic Bakery, Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer by Roast Beef Productions, First Cousin Once Removed by Experiments in Time, Light & Motion, Stories We Tell by National Film Board of Canada, and Which Way Is the Front Line from Here? The Life and Time of Tim Hetherington by Tripoli Street.

Documentary Branch members will now select five nominees from the 15 titles and the final Oscars nominations will be announced live on Thursday 16 January 2014 at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on 2 March 2014 at the Dolby Theatre. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

'The Square' is being currently screened in Cairo at the Panorama for European Film