The Blue Caftan was the opening movie of the Arab Film Festival in San Francisco last October with a presentation by the film director Maryam Touzani.
Halim has long been married to Mina, with whom he runs a traditional caftan store in the medina of Salé, Morocco. The couple has always lived with Halim’s secret, his homosexuality, which he has learned to keep quiet. Mina’s illness and the arrival of a young apprentice will upset this balance. United in their love, each will help the other to face his fears.
Maryam Touzani’s superb film delicately stirs up a taboo in traditional Muslim society. Lubna Azabal, all nuance, plays a wife who is both restrained and very assertive, whose character evolves throughout the film.
It is moving, funny and tragic, in a kind of very aesthetic Maghrebian huis clos.
International Critics’ Award, Cannes Film Festival –
In arabic with English subtitles
Form March 2nd, 2023 in various theaters
San Rafael : Smith Rafael Film Center
San Francisco : Landmark Opera Plaza
