Sleeper hit Twin Sisters (De Tweeling), directed by Ben Sombogaart, has been chosen as the Dutch contender in the best foreign language category at the Oscars.

Twin Sisters is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Tessa de Loo, and deals with the relationship between twins Anna and Lotte who are separated at an early age and meet again during the Second World War.

Miramax bought the film at Cannes this year and is planning to release it next year in the US.

The film is produced by Idtv Film, Chios Media, Samsa Film and NCRV Television. RCV distributed the film, which proved a to be a sleeper hit during the Dutch Christmas-holiday season of last year. So far its cumulative box office stands at over Euros 4m.

Dutch entries at the Oscars have done well in recent years. Last year Paula van der Oest's Zus And Zo made it to the final five. The Assault (Fons Rademakers), Antonia's Line (Marleen Gorris) and Character (Mike van Diem) have all won the award.