Make It a Double Feature: ‘The Blue Caftan’ and ‘Rafiki’

As the name suggests, Pride Month is meant to be a time of pride and celebration. Part of that celebration can include watching uplifting films that center on queer joy. However, because Pride Month is also a time when we acknowledge the ongoing fight for equality for LGBTQ+ people and how not everyone can live as openly because of their religion or the laws of their country, that should reflect in the films on our viewing lists. 

While we definitely should stream something as cheerful as Fire Island this month or watch a few episodes of Schitt’s Creek in case we need a smile, my proposed double feature is of two foreign films that defied the conservatism of their respective countries of origin to be made and also, qualify for Oscar consideration. In particular, two films from Africa directed by female filmmakers. 

The first of the two is The Blue Caftan (2022) directed by Maryam Touzani. Set in the city of Salé, Morocco, The Blue Caftan follows the story of Halim (Saleh Bakri), a closeted gay owner of a caftan store whose relationship with his wife Mina (Lubna Azabal of Incendies fame) becomes strained with the arrival of Youssef (Ayoub Missioui), their new young apprentice whom Halim slowly feels infatuated with. Through simmering hand gestures and shots of both men closing in on each other’s faces captured by DP Virginie Surdej, we see their quiet romance conveyed. Yet, the film is just as erotic as any gay-themed film with graphic physical intimacy. The film also hinges on the central performance from Saleh Bakri who, with just his eyes, conveys Halim’s whirlwind feelings of turmoil, guilt, and sensual euphoria. 

After being selected to represent Morocco for Best International Feature at the 95th Academy Awards, the film wasn’t among the coveted Final Five on nomination day. However, making the shortlist, and overcoming calls for a release ban by the Justice and Development Party, Morocco’s Islamist party, so it can reach audiences in its own country and qualify for the Oscars, is a victory in itself. 

The 2018 Kenyan masterpiece Rafiki by Wanuri Kahiu faced similar hurdles. After being banned by the Kenya Film Classification Board due to its homosexual themes, Kahiu sued the country’s government so it could qualify for awards consideration. It ultimately wasn’t selected as Kenya’s Best International Feature submission for the 91st Oscars. Yet, the ban being lifted and the film playing to sold-out crowds is a triumph.

Between facing the political circumstances surrounding its release and its story about two women in love defying their homophobic community, Rafiki has a conquering feel in its message about overcoming adversity while featuring brisk filmmaking execution, possessing expert cinematography by DP Christopher Wessells. The pink lighting that often encases both Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) and Ziki (Sheila Munviya) as they carry out their blissful romance is a symbolization of such hope and harmony in the face of hate. 

While it doesn’t have the same vibrant colors minus the titular robe, The Blue Caftan is just as subversive. Despite being unable to use words to express their feelings, both men still use hand touches and gazes to convey their infatuations, subtly defying the customs of their environment. By depicting queer individuals carving out interior romantic lives in a world that antagonizes them for existing, both The Blue Caftan and Rafiki feel like essential viewings. So, as you’re setting up your Pride Month watchlist, why not add those two and make it a double feature?

The Blue Caftan can be streamed on the Criterion Channel and is available to rent on Amazon. Rafiki is available to stream on Kanopy and to rent on Amazon

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Matt St. Clair

Matt is a New England-based freelance journalist who lives and breathes the world of cinema and has been an Oscar watcher since the age of eight. His writing can be found on outlets such as The Film Experience, Roger Ebert, Digital Spy, and Slashfilm. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a Gay & Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association member. You can follow him on Twitter @filmguy619. (He/They)

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