MRAC Cinema Club presents The Blue Caftan

Followed by refreshments Film release date: 2022 Film language: Arabic

This drama/romance directed by Maryam Touzani won 14 awards including the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes and had 23 nominations in total. Maryam Touzani also picked up a couple of Best Director awards.

A couple, Halim and Mina, run a store selling traditional caftans in one of Morocco’s oldest medinas. Due to increased business, they hire a young assistant named Youssef. The couple have lived with a secret throughout their marriage – Halim is a homosexual. When he becomes attracted to the handsome Youssef, Mina is initially very upset. However, over time the relationship between the 3 changes because Mina’s health deteriorates and she looks towards the future. The film is beautifully made and focuses on tiny details. Critics were very favourable, calling the film a work of ‘handcrafted beauty’, ‘superbly acted’ and ‘emotionally resonant’