MUMBAI: Nila Madhab Panda’s Jalpari-The Desert Mermaid will participate in the sixth edition of Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) in Queensland, Australia on 23 November.

"I am very much thrilled because the Asia Pacific Screen Awards is like the Oscars of Asia and to be invited for a recognition like this is indeed a matter of great pride and honour," said Panda in a statement.

The film’s story revolves around the adventures and misadventures of a brother-sister duo Shreya and Sam from a city, who visit their father’s village that is bereft of water and women. The film takes an interesting turn when the children turn the dull village into a land of enchantment and mischief.

"We have believed in the film right from its inception and to see it being appreciated across the world makes us very happy," observed Ultra Group of Companies MD and CEO Sushil Kumar Agarwal.

The film will hit theatres on 20 July and stars Parvin Dabas, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Suhasini Mulay and Harsh Mayar in the prominent roles.