The Blue Caftan

Fiction, director: Maryam Touzani, Morocco/Belgium/France/Denmark, 2022, 118 min., Arab. with Ger. ST

> 01.05.2023 | 19.00 | City Kino Wedding | 

In the presence of main actor Saleh Bakri.

Halim (Saleh Bakri) and his wife Mina (Lubna Azabal) run one of the last traditional caftan shops in the medina of Salé, a town in northwestern Morocco. They have been married for a long time and share a loving and trustful relationship. Mina is aware of Halim’s homosexuality, which he tries to keep secret from her. When the trainee Youssef (Ayoub Missioui) starts working for them, a physical attraction develops between him and Halim, changing the couple’s relationship. Director Maryam Touzani’s drama sensitively explores how her protagonists, united by a deep love and respect, navigate a challenging life situation. Carried by fantastic performances by Saleh Bakri and Lubna Azabal, the film also captivates its audience thanks to the distinctive visual style of DOP Virginie Surdej. The Blue Caftan premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2022 Cannes International Film Festival where it won the FIPRESCI Award. It has been granted ever since many prizes all over the world.

In cooperation with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.