Simshar, the film inspired by the true life tragedy of the Marsaxlokk fishermen who lost their lives in open water in 2008, is enjoying positive reactions during the first Academy Awards screenings, the Maltese team behind the film reports.

The film is currently being considered for the Best Foreign Language Film at this year’s Oscars, the first time that a local production is taking part.

Simshar is one of 83 films competing for the five nomination spots which will compete for the ultimate award during the 87th Academy Awards ceremony to be held in February.

The film centres around the family of the Marsaxlokk fishermen who, six years ago, ended up stranded in open water after an accident on the namesake vessel and who then go on to get embroiled in the ongoing immigration saga stirring waves across the Mediterranean.

The film’s first screening has already resulted with film director Rebecca Cremona being signed up with Management 360, a leading management company in Hollywood. It represents A-list directors, writers and actors such as Julianne Moore, Marc Forster and Mark Boal.

The film was supported by the Ministry for Economy, Investment and Small Business and the Film Fund, and through other initiatives offered by the Malta Film Commission.

Simshar will be getting another two-week screen run at the Embassy Cinemas, Valletta, starting January 7.