Moroccan director Maryam Touzani returns with 'Calle Málaga', an ode to life in old age
France 24
by Eve JACKSONFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani, renowned for her intimate exploration of love, identity, and societal tensions, returns with *Calle Málaga*, a deeply personal film that delves into memory, mixed identity, and belonging. Set in Tangier’s historic Spanish community, the movie offers a poignant meditation on aging and desire, celebrating vitality and dignity later in life— themes seldom portrayed with such tenderness in cinema. At a time of intense polarization around migration and identity, Touzani’s work brings these complex issues back to their human core.
Touzani’s previous films, *Adam* and *The Blue Caftan*, have already earned critical acclaim for their nuanced exploration of Moroccan society. With *Calle Málaga*, she ventures into the vibrant yet overlooked world of Tangier’s Spanish-speaking neighborhood, blending personal storytelling with universal themes. The film not only revisits her own family history but also offers a unique perspective on what it means to belong in a multicultural context.
This latest work matters because it challenges stereotypes and rehumanizes often stigmatized or romanticized narratives about aging and cross-cultural identity. In an era where debates around migration and identity are increasingly divisive, *Calle Málaga* reminds us of the shared human experiences that transcend borders and generations. By focusing on intimacy, dignity, and resilience, Touzani creates a space for empathy and understanding—making her film not just a cinematic achievement but also a vital contribution to global conversations about diversity and inclusion.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026