David O. Russell’s American Hustle has been selected for the closing night gala of the 10th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), which runs December 6-14. 

Produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna and Chuck Roven’s Atlas, the film stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis CK and Robert De Niro.

Set against the backdrop of one of the biggest scandals to rock the US, the film revolves around a conman (Bale) who is forced to work for an unhinged FBI agent (Cooper).

DIFF will be the first festival to screen the film. Italia Films has rights for the Middle East.

DIFF artistic director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said: “We are thrilled to bring David O. Russell’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning films The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook to DIFF audiences this year.

“With one of the most exciting filmmakers working today at the helm, an outstanding cast and compelling story this is a film that is set to blow audiences away and end the 10th DIFF on a high note.”