The Moroccan feature film «Calle Malaga», directed by Maryam Touzani, made its world debut as part of the official selection at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Premiering on Saturday evening in the Spotlight section, this film, shot entirely in Morocco, unfolds the story of Maria Angeles, a 79-year-old Spaniard living alone in Tangier, relishing the charm of her city and daily life. Maria's life, brought to life by the acclaimed Spanish actress Carmen Maura, faces upheaval when her daughter Clara (portrayed by Marta Etura) arrives from Madrid with plans to sell the apartment that has always been her home. Firmly rooted in the city of her upbringing, Maria is resolute in her efforts to retain her home and reclaim the cherished mementos of her life. In an interview with MAP, Maryam Touzani shared her profound emotion at the audience's warm reception, which was «attuned to the themes I sought to explore through the main character, especially concerning identity, belonging, and aging». She disclosed that the film, «inspired by an intimate and personal narrative», is a tribute to her maternal grandmother, a Spaniard married to a Moroccan. «I observed my grandmother's deep connection to Tangier and Morocco, which she considered her homeland, alongside her Spanish friends who remained until their final days», the Moroccan director recounted. Meanwhile, the film's producer, Nabil Ayouch, expressed immense pride in representing Morocco alongside Maryam Touzani at the Venice Mostra. He also conveyed his delight at the audience's reaction, which «resonated with Calle Malaga, experiencing both laughter and tears throughout the film». «The audience grasped the depth and meaning the director sought to impart to her characters and the narrative of this Spaniard who is intrinsically Tangier-born and Moroccan at heart, inseparable from her hometown», he remarked. Following its Venice debut, «Calle Malaga» is set to be featured at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), with Ayouch announcing that the film's global theatrical release is scheduled for next March. Morocco is making a distinguished mark at the 82nd Venice Mostra (August 27-September 6), with the Venice Production Bridge honoring the kingdom as the guest of honor for the first time in its history.
