Calle Málaga (2025) – The Moroccan Drama That Shined at the Venice Film Festival

 Moroccan cinema has experienced a remarkable rise in recent years, 

breaking into international festivals and gaining critical acclaim. 

Among the most talked-about productions of 2025 is “Calle 

Málaga”, directed by Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani. 

Premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, the film explores 

the emotional struggle between a mother determined to protect her 

childhood home and a daughter eager to sell it and pursue a new life.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the story of Calle 

Málaga, its production details, cast, symbolism, and the broader 

impact it had on Moroccan and world cinema.

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 Plot Summary of Calle Málaga 

Storyline :

Set between southern Spain and Morocco, Calle Málaga follows the 

journey of a Moroccan mother who refuses to let go of her family home in Morocco. Her daughter, however, wants to sell the house to 

finance a new chapter in her life.

This emotional tug-of-war between clinging to the past and 

embracing the future drives the film’s narrative.

Key Themes :

 Cast and Crew :

Director: Maryam Touzani – known for Adam (2019).

Producers: A collaboration between Morocco, Spain, and France.

Cinematography: Shot on location in Málaga (Spain) and parts of 

Morocco.

Actors: A diverse cast of Moroccan and Spanish talents, delivering 

authentic and emotional performances.

 About the Director Maryam Touzani :

Maryam Touzani is one of the most acclaimed Moroccan directors 

working today.

In Calle Málaga, she tackles issues of memory, identity, and 

belonging with emotional depth.

She first gained international recognition with Adam (2019), 

selected at the Cannes Film Festival.

Her directing style is intimate, focusing on relationships, everyday struggles, and human vulnerability.

 Screenings and Festival Presence :

World Premiere: Venice Film Festival – August 2025.

Critical Reception: Many critics praised the film for its honesty and strong symbolism.

Audience Reaction: The film resonated particularly well with Moroccan and North African communities living abroad, as it reflects their own struggles with identity and memory.

 Critical Reviews 

Strengths:

A touching, multi-layered script.

Strong acting performances, particularly the mother-daughter duo.

Beautiful cinematography capturing the warmth of Morocco and the 

Mediterranean.

Weaknesses:

Some critics argued the pacing was slow at times.

The heavy use of symbolism may challenge viewers seeking a 

straightforward story.

 Symbolism in Calle Málaga :

The house in the film is not merely a building – it symbolizes 

heritage, identity, and memory.

The daughter represents modernity and independence, while the 

mother embodies tradition and preservation.

The central question the film raises is:

Can new generations honor their roots without being constrained by 

them?

 Importance for Moroccan Cinema :

Strengthened Morocco’s visibility on the international film scene.

Demonstrated that Moroccan filmmakers can tackle universal 

themes while staying true to their cultural identity.

Opened new doors for cross-border co-productions between Europe 

and North Africa.

 Marketing and Popularity 

Widely covered in both European and Arab media.

Generated strong search interest in 2025 on Google.

Became a hot topic among the Moroccan diaspora, who strongly 

identified with the story.

Calle Málaga (2025) is more than just a family drama – it is a 

reflection of Morocco’s cultural heritage, migration stories, and 

generational struggles. Through an intimate story of a mother and 

daughter, Maryam Touzani delivers a universal message: how do we 

balance memory with progress, roots with freedom, tradition with 

modernity?

For fans of world cinema, Calle Málaga is a must-watch – a film 

that solidifies Morocco’s place on the global cinematic map.