The evocative Moroccan drama “The Blue Caftan” achieved a significant milestone this week, surpassing 500,000 admissions in theaters overseas. This marks a noteworthy triumph for Moroccan cinema on the global stage.
Directed by Maryam Touzani and produced by acclaimed filmmaker Nabil Ayouch, “The Blue Caftan” features standout performances by Lubna Azabal, Saleh Bakri, and Ayoub Missioui. The film garnered international acclaim following its premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it clinched the FIPRESCI Critics Prize.
Building on this success, the movie earned over 45 accolades from prestigious festivals worldwide, including the Jury Prize at the Marrakech International Film Festival. It also achieved the rare distinction of making it to the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature in 2022, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
Propelled by critical acclaim and positive word-of-mouth, “The Blue Caftan” has been released in 1,300 theaters across 30 countries. Standout admissions include over 200,000 in France, 58,000 in the Netherlands, 37,000 in Italy, and 35,000 in Spain.
As the first Moroccan film to reach this admissions milestone beyond its borders, “The Blue Caftan” not only sets a precedent but also paves the way for greater global recognition of Morocco’s burgeoning cinema scene. Its sustained international success serves as a testament to the growing cross-cultural appeal of Moroccan filmmaking.
