The Egyptian film Ward Masmoum (Poisonous Roses - 2018) was chosen on Thursday by the Cinematic Professions Syndicate to represent the country in the 2020 Academy Awards competition for Best Foreign Language Film category.

The selection was made by a committee appointed by the syndicate, which comprised prominent film critics.

Ward Masmoum, directed by Ahmed Fawzi Saleh, is based on Ahmed Zaghloul Al-Shiti’s 1990 novel Saqr’s Poisonous Roses.

The film has already participated in dozens of film festivals across the globe, winning three awards at the 40th Cairo International Film Festival (21-29 November).

The cast includes Ibrahim El-Nagari (playing the main character Saqr), Merihan Magdi (Taheya), Mahmoud Hemeida (in the role of the magician), Mohamed Berakaa (the imam), Safaa El-Toukhy (in the role of the mother).

The film's main character Saqr lives and works in a tanning district, but dreams to escape the area.

Last year, the syndicate nominated Yomeddine (Judgment Day), directed by Abu Bakr Shawky and produced by Dina Emam, for the prestigious festival.

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