THE BLUE CAFTAN

Halim has been married to Mina for a long time, with whom he runs a traditional caftan store in the medina (old town) of Salé, Morocco. The couple has always lived with Halim’s secret – his homosexuality – about which he has learned to keep quiet. However, Mina’s illness and the arrival of a young apprentice upsets this balance. United in their love, each will help the other face his fears.

• • It’s a dramatic film, but never overly so. Like the silky fabric Halim handles with expert care, it’s rich but soft, detailed but delicate (…) Blue Caftan, even in its saddest moments (…) is a film full of love, made even more memorable by the deft performances and palpable chemistry of its three leads (A Good movie to Watch)
  • How Touzani ultimately utilizes the blue caftan for resonance is nothing short of brilliant, and the delicacy she imbues this story with is nothing short of potent. (Roger Ebert.com)
  • Maryam Touzani’s second feature breaks major ground for Arab cinema with a bold, absorbing and heartbreaking ode to love. For those familiar with Middle Eastern cinema, The Blue Caftan is quite the miracle (Awards Watch)
  • Perhaps the greatest beauty to evolve is the love and care all three players show for one another. While the affection Halim and Yousef develop for one another is of a repressive nature, Mina understands. There is never a bitterness or anger directed towards either. (A Sliver of Film)

Mature subject matter

• Marrakech
• Vancouver
• Palm Springs
• Seattle
• Götberg
• Haifa
• Athens
• Angoulême

12 awards – 14 nominations 

• FIPRESCI Prize 2022: Un Certain Regard Cannes

• Silver Hugo Best Director 2022– Chicago FF

• Silver Hugo Best Director 2022– Chicago FF

• Jury Prize 2022: Marrakech FF

• Audience Prize 2022 Panorama: Vancouver FF

• Dragon Award International Competition 2023: Götberg FF

• Valois 2022 for best actor Saleh Bakri: Angoulême FF

• Valois 2022 for best director Maryam Touzani: Angoulême FF