Blue Caftan, The

Sensual, arresting, and graceful, The Blue Caftan tells the story of Halim, a master tailor, who spends his days in the back of his shop making beautiful, hand-embroidered caftans. Dedicated to keeping a dying tradition alive, he labors over every stitch to meet his own high standards of perfection, while his wife Mina deals with the customers and the store's day-to-day business. Their quiet life of routine is thrown off-kilter when Halim reluctantly takes on the earnest if inexperienced Youssef as an apprentice to keep up with orders. The two work together intimately and begin to form a tentative bond that extends beyond that of student and mentor, ever fearful that their mutual attraction will be found out. Director Maryam Touzani captures each tender touch and subtle glance in this visually breathtaking, intensely sympathetic reflection on adoration, love, and longing.