This sensual drama takes us to the medina of Salé, Morocco: Halim and Mina run a traditional tailor shop for caftans, one of the most original in Morocco. The couple has always lived with Halim’s secret, his homosexuality, which he has learned to hide. To meet the demands of their clientele, they hire a talented young man named Youssef as an apprentice. Over time, however, Mina notices how much Youssef’s presence touches her husband and he seems drawn to him. When Mina falls seriously ill, familiar equilibrium is shaken. United in love, they help each other overcome their fears.

THE BLUE CAFTAN premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in the section “Un Certain Regard”, where it won the FIPRESCI International Film Critics’ Prize.

Maryam Touzani, born in Tangier/Morocco in 1980, obtained her Master’s degree in Media Communication and Journalism in London in 2003. While working as a screenwriter she directed some short and documentary films. In 2011, her short QUAND ILS DORMENT won 17 prizes. Then in 2014, her documentary SOUS MA PEAU VIEILLE about prostitution in Morocco became very popular. In 2019, her first feature film, ADAM, was selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s section “Un Certain Regard” – as well as her second feature film, THE BLUE CAFTAN, in 2022.

Filmography (selection): 2019 ADAM, 2022 THE BLUE CAFTAN

Awards: FIPRESCI International Film Critics’ Prize in the section “Un Certain Regard” (Cannes International Film Festival, France 2022), Audience Award and Greek Film Critics’ Association Award (Athens International Film Festival, Greece 2022)