A master tailor’s wife watches on as her closeted husband falls in love with his apprentice in this sensuous second feature from Maryam Touzani, as elegant and finely crafted as the beautiful garments in her film.
A keenly tuned, non-judgmental exploration of an enduring relationship that has thrived despite the stresses of conflicting desires and the pressures of social norms
Screened as part of NZIFF 2022
The Blue Caftan 2022
Le bleu du caftan
Set in the medina of a small Moroccan town and built around an emotional triangle between a middle-aged couple and a younger man that subverts expectations, Maryam Touzani’s (Adam, NZIFF 2019) superbly acted and deeply resonant drama is as impeccably crafted as the exquisite eponymous caftan tailored by its protagonist.
Business is hardly booming in the small garment shop run by Mina and her husband Halim. The bespoke cutting and artistic embroidery that Halim, a master tailor, specialises in requires hours of work and is therefore expensive. It is also slow and clients grow impatient. Despite former apprentices failing to meet Halim’s exacting standards, he hopes that Youssef, a new recruit, will show more dedication to this increasingly unfashionable art. Youssef’s presence initially perturbs, for Halim's true sexuality is hidden and although Mina is aware of her husband’s secret life, the attraction between Halim and Youssef upsets their long-established, supportive marital equilibrium. But, as the couple confront Mina’s ill-health, emotional dynamics deepen and all three grow to rely on each other more and more. — Sandra Reid
“Anchored by three remarkable performances and a beautiful script that never wastes a line, Maryam Touzani‘s film… oozes love from almost every frame.” — Christian Zilko, Indiewire