Maryam Touzani, a Moroccan filmmaker, has had her latest work, Calle Málaga, officially named the country’s submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Academy Awards. The announcement was made by a special committee from the Moroccan Cinematographic Centre (CCM), led by Tariq Khalami and featuring notable personalities in Moroccan cinema, such as Zakia Tahiri, Selma Bargach, Mariem Lee Abounoum, Mohamed Alaoui, Adil Fadili, and festival director Ahmed Housni.
The committee unanimously selected Calle Málaga for its emotional resonance, technical brilliance, and potential for international distribution. The film premiered globally on August 29, 2025, during the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award. Following this success, it was showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival and is scheduled for theatrical release in France on March 16 next year.
Set in Tangier, Calle Málaga tells the poignant story of María Ángeles, a 79-year-old Spanish woman who has lived alone in Morocco for many years. Her tranquil life takes a turn when her daughter arrives from Madrid with plans to sell the apartment that has been her sanctuary. Determined to fight for her home and its memories, María Ángeles embarks on a deeply personal struggle. The film features acclaimed Spanish actress Carmen Maura, known for her collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar, whose performance has garnered significant praise for its emotional depth and authenticity.
Produced through a collaboration of companies across Morocco (Ali n’ Productions), France (Les Films du Nouveau Monde), Spain (Mod Producciones), Germany (One Two Films), and Belgium (Velvet Films), the film also benefits from support by RTVE and Movistar Plus+.
Maryam Touzani, born in Tangier in 1980, began her career as a film critic and journalist after studying in London, transitioning into filmmaking. She made her directorial debut in 2011 with the short film Quand ils dorment, which earned 17 international awards, including the Special Jury Prize at the Huesca International Film Festival. Her first feature film, Adam (2019), premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section and was chosen as Morocco’s entry for the 92nd Academy Awards. Following this success, The Blue Caftan (2022) received extensive acclaim and represented Morocco at the 95th Academy Awards, making it to the shortlist.
Morocco has participated in the Academy Awards since 1977, though it has yet to secure a nomination. However, recent submissions like The Mother of All Lies (2023) and Touzani’s The Blue Caftan (2022) have reached the shortlist, showcasing the increasing international recognition of Moroccan cinema.
