It is a long T-shaped dress, richly decorated, adorned with an embroidered silk braid and a row of sewn buttons in front of the straps. This traditional garment worn throughout the Arab world is called a kaftan. In Morocco, this precious piece is worn by women at parties and weddings, and each region or community leaves its mark. A caftan is transmitted from mother to daughter; as well as the skill of embroidery. And this, even if artisanal excellence tends to disappear, swept away by the requirement for speed, efficiency and lower cost.
One of the heroes of our film of the day is a maalem, a master tailor, from the medina of Salé in Morocco.
But just as he applies himself to what we do not see the seams, he cannot live his sexual orientation in broad daylight.
Happy in a relationship with his wife Mina, his balance will be upset by the arrival of a young apprentice, Youssef.
Le Bleu du caftan, the second film by the Moroccan director Maryam Touzaniwas screened at the last Cannes festival in the Un Certain Regard section, and won the Fipresci prize for international critics.
We receive the Moroccan director Maryam Touzani and the actress Lubna Azabal who embodies Mina, the wife and friend of this embroidery artist.
Also showing in our cinema this week :
- A report in Malaysia from our correspondent Juliette Pietraszewskifollowing the event of the last Oscar ceremony: the statuette for best actress won by Michelle Yeoh (who becomes the first Asian actress to win this award)
- A report from Morocco by Nadia Ben Mahfoudh on the Roots festival, a pan-African film festival.
Musical breaks :
– Gorillaz Tormenta feat. Bad Bunny
– Etta James I Got you Babe.