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Rabat – Moroccan movie “Le Bleu du Caftan” from renowned filmmaker Maryam Touzani, features among the lineup of the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which will take place from May 17 to 28.
Touzani’s feature film is selected in the “Un certain regard” category. The category features several films with unusual styles and non-traditional stories seeking international recognition.
Co-produced by the Moroccan-French movie director Nabil Ayouch and the Moroccan actor Amine Benjelloun, “Le Bleu du Caftan” narrates the story of a couple – Halim and Mina – who run a caftan shop in the old medina of Sale.
The couple, however, hid a secret; Halim’s sexuality, which he learnt to keep low.
Mina’s illness and the arrival of a young apprentice Youssef will shift the balance as Halim starts to develop affection toward his employee but tries to oppress his feelings. United in their love, each party will help the other to face their fears.
The film features Saleh Bakri, Lubna Azabal, Ayoub Missioui, Mounia Lamkimel, Hamid Zoughi and many other Moroccan actors.
Born in 1980 in Tangier, the filmmaker Maryam Touzani is also an actress and screenwriter, with a master’s degree in journalism. She is married to a fellow filmmaker Nabil Ayouch.
Her short film “Quand ils dorment” won 17 prizes, including that of the Special Jury at the Huesca International Film Festival, a festival qualifying for the Oscars.
Her 2014 documentary “Sous Ma Peau Vieille” gained a lot of attention for unveiling the realistic imagery about prostitution in Morocco. Touzani later turned the documentary into a feature film titled “Much Loved,” released in 2015 and directed by her husband Ayouch.
Ayouch’s movies are known for their strong social themes, often depicting underprivileged segments of Moroccan society, he is credited for giving a voice to those who lack it through his art.
Touzani is best known as the director of critically acclaimed film Adam, which was screened in the “Un Certain Regard” section at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
After several award-winning short films, Maryam became a member of the Academy of Oscars in 2019.
