Synopsis
Halim (Saleh Bakri) has been married for a long time to Mina (Lubna Azabal), with whom he runs a traditional caftan store in the médina of Salé, in Morocco, where they create exquisitely finished hand-sewn garments. As Mina’s health begins to fade, they employ a young apprentice. The new arrival unknowingly disturbs the careful equilibrium of their lives. For theirs is a loving marriage designed to hide a secret.
Thoughtful, sensual, and deeply moving, Maryam Touzani’s (Adam, 2019), drama traces the melancholy and loneliness of maintaining a secret, and the sudden joyous release to be found in living one’s life to the fullest. Brilliantly acted, it’s an overwhelmingly tender character study where each will help the other face their fears.
Festival & Awards
Cannes Film Festival, 2022 – Winner, Maryam Touzani, FIPRESCI Prize, Un Certain Regard
Toronto International Film Festival, 2022
BFI London Film Festival, 2022
Cork International Film Festival, 2022
Internatioanl Film Festival Rotterdam, 2023
Quotes
…Maryam Touzani’s gentle observation of her characters in a film of exquisite sensuality and sadness. – David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter.
“……’The Blue Caftan’ dares to imagine a world where there’s room for both appreciation of the old ways and room to evolve.” – Peter Debruge, Variety.
Film Info
122 mins | France, Morocco, Belgium | 2022 | Club
Director:
Maryam Touzani
Cast:
Lubna Azabal, Saleh Bakri, Ayoub Missioui.