Unconventional Moroccan love story wins prize at Marrakech Film Festival
rfi.frMarrakech International Film Festival's Jury Prize with “Alma Viva”, directed by French-Portuguese filmmaker Cristèle Alves Meira.Set in the heart of a Moroccan medina, Touzani's film delves into the lives of three complex characters, each grappling with a secret.Halim, played by Saleh Bakri, is a maalem, a master tailor.
His life revolves around the art of making beautiful caftans by hand.He is married to Mina, played by Lubna Azabal, who is unwell and knows she is dying.
Halim is torn between being a dutiful husband and his hidden homosexuality.Although society ostracizes him, he underestimates the power of love.
He realises that he has a wife who is willing to go beyond her religious beliefs to support him.The couple are thrilled to find a young apprentice, Youssef, played by Ayoub Missioui, who agrees to take on tasks in the workshop with a dedication and care rare for his generation.Touzani says showing her love for Morocco's cultural heritage was also very much part of making the film.The caftan of the title represents not only tradition, but the craftsmanship and quality associated with artisanal practices that are quietly disappearing in the north African country.“These professions are part of our history, our DNA,” Touzani told RFI after the screening at the Cannes Film Festival in May.“They define us and make us who we are, but sadly we live in a world where everything is going too fast and we’re losing this know-how.“Perhaps in 20 years there won’t be any craftsmen anymore because the skills have not been passed on.”“The Blue Caftan” is a sensual film where facial expressions and gestures weigh as much as words.
