Last night, the long-awaited film "Calle Málaga" directed by Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani made its debut at the opening ceremony of the 29th Málaga Spanish Film Festival, running from March 6 to March 15. The event was held at the Teatro Cervantes in Málaga, with a notable presence of Spanish cultural figures, including the Minister of Culture, the Mayor of the city, and the Moroccan Ambassador to Spain, alongside various political, cinematic, and media personalities.
During the opening, Maryam Touzani shared insights about her film, which artfully blends comedy and drama, emphasizing that it reflects the complexities of life. She expressed, "We laugh amidst tears and cry amidst laughter," highlighting the duality that often accompanies human experiences. The narrative of the film, she explained, was born from personal pain and loss, having been written in the wake of her mother's passing. This poignant event led her to reminisce about her mother, her grandmother Juana, and their shared memories in Tangier, where the street known as "Calle Málaga" still exists today.
Touzani further elaborated on the rich cultural duality that characterizes Tangier, describing it as a "true wealth." She noted that in Calle Málaga, different cultures and religions coexist in an atmosphere of tolerance and love, a precious quality in a world increasingly marked by walls and divisions. This film marks Touzani's first experience directing in Spanish, continuing her sensitive and humanistic cinematic journey that focuses on themes of memory, belonging, and human connections.
The movie was filmed in Tangier and has been chosen to represent Morocco at the Oscars following its remarkable trajectory at several international film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Mar del Plata International Film Festival. The story centers around María Angeles, a 79-year-old Spaniard living alone in Tangier, who has a deep connection with her home, shaped over decades of cultural coexistence. However, this balance is disrupted by the arrival of her daughter from Madrid, who intends to sell the family apartment, sparking tension between memory, family heritage, and contemporary realities.
“Calle Málaga” is Maryam Touzani's third feature film, following her acclaimed works "Adam," which was showcased in the "Un Certain Regard" section at the Cannes Film Festival, and "Blue Caftan," which also premiered at Cannes and the Marrakech International Film Festival, earning a spot on the Oscar shortlist. This film represents a new chapter in her artistic journey.
As reported by madar21.com.
