The Blue Caftan (12A)
Director: Maryam Touzani
Starring: Lubna Azabal, Saleh Bakri, Ayoub Missioui, Mounia Lamkimel
Drama Morocco 2022
2 hrs 2 mins Subtitles

“The Blue Caftan” carries a subtle and unspoken narrative for much of its length.

It’s set in Morocco where homosexuality is a criminal offence. Instead of toying with inequity and morals, Maryam Touzani has put together a gentle, complex film – a love story between a gay man and his wife.

The couple (Halim & Mina) have been married for 25 years – they don’t have any children of their own.

Halim is a tailor of impeccable garments, often ceremonial or wedding Caftans. He is gay and spends time at his local hammam/steam baths.

His wife Mina knows about his sexuality but it is not a topic for discussion, and their intimacy centres around their tailor’s shop and the high quality workmanship they both strive for.

When it becomes necessary to employ a new young apprentice (Youssef), the emotional entanglements develop in unexpected ways.

Purbeck Film Festival 2023 at Bridport | Fri 20 Oct-Sat 4 Nov