DIRECTOR: Maryam Touzani
PRODUCER: Nabil Ayouch
PRODUCTION CO: Les Films du Nouveau Monde, Ali n' Productions, Velvet Films
SCREENPLAY: Maryam Touzani, Nabil Ayouch
PHOTOGRAPHY: Virginie Surdej
EDITOR: Nicolas Rumpl
MUSIC: Kristian Eidnes Andersen
WITH: Lubna Azabal (Mina), Saleh Bakri (Halim), Ayoub Missioui (Youssef)


FESTIVALS: Cannes

REVIEW

“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 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, New Zealand International Film Festival 2022

“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

FILM SOCIETY SCREENINGS

Westport
Wednesday, 12 February, 7.00pm

New Plymouth
Wednesday, 26 February, 6.00pm

Hamilton
Monday, 10 March, 6.30pm

​Auckland 
Monday, 17 March, 6.00pm

​Carterton     
Friday, 28 March, 7.00pm

​Nelson 
Wednesday, 09 April, 6.00pm

​Queenstown     
Tuesday, 13 May, 8.00pm

​Canterbury  
Monday,30 June, 7.00pm

​Tauranga 
Wednesday, 06 August, 6.00pm

​Whanganui   
Monday, 29 September, 7.00pm​

​​Palmerston North 
Wednesday, 22 October, 6.00pm
Celebrate CONTEMPORARY CINEMA  >>