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When legendary actress Carmen Maura signed on for her role in calle málaga, she embarked on one of the most challenging yet rewarding performances of her career. Directed by Maryam Touzani, this film tells the poignant story of Maria Angeles, a 79-year-old woman whose tranquil life in Tangier is disrupted by her daughter’s plans to sell their family home. As Maria fights to retain her independence, she embarks on a journey of rediscovery filled with romance and a renewed zest for life.
After winning the Audience Award at the Venice Film Festival and the Mill Valley Festival, calle málaga has resonated with audiences at various film festivals, including Toronto. It is set to open the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival and has been officially submitted as Morocco’s entry for the Oscars.
Facing new challenges
Reflecting on her experience at the Marrakech Film Festival, Maura expressed her surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception of calle málaga. “It feels miraculous,” she stated, radiating joy at the gala event. In candid moments, she revealed that the filming process was intense, as Touzani’s meticulous directing style pushed her beyond her comfort zone. “I adored the script, but the shooting was tougher than I expected,” she admitted. “Maryam likes to do multiple takes, and I’m not accustomed to that level of repetition.”
Breaking new ground
Maura was forewarned by Touzani about the demanding nature of her role, which included a significant scene requiring nudity. “It was the first time a director has ever asked me to be naked,” Maura laughed. “A decade ago, I would have declined, but now I feel liberated. I have nothing left to prove.” This willingness to embrace vulnerability reflects her growth as both an actress and an individual.
The film, produced by Nabil Ayouch and distributed in North America by Strand Releasing, explores the theme of aging as a final frontier of freedom. This concept resonated deeply with Maura, despite the challenges encountered during production. “The beauty of Tangier was enchanting, and I formed a meaningful connection with my co-star, Moroccan actor Ahmed Boulane, who even learned Spanish for his role,” she recounted.
A shared success
In her discussions about calle málaga, Maura emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. “When I receive accolades, I feel that half of the recognition belongs to Maryam,” she stated. “Much of my performance was a result of following her vision.” This acknowledgment of teamwork highlights the importance of directorial influence in realizing an actor’s potential.
After completing calle málaga, Maura initially intended to take a break from acting. However, she soon found herself back on set with director Alex de la Iglesia for his upcoming film, La cuidadora. Although this film also explores serious themes—focusing on an elderly widow needing a caregiver after a home accident—Maura described the experience as therapeutic. “Working with Alex was like a form of medicine for me; he encourages improvisation, allowing me the freedom to explore my character,” she explained.
Reflections on a legendary career
In a recent interview, Maura fondly recalled her transformative journey throughout her career, including her collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar. “Our first meeting was during a play where he portrayed a terrorist. He would visit my dressing room, and we shared deep conversations about life,” she reminisced. “He helped me navigate my struggles, and I always recognized his extraordinary talent.”
As Maura looks to the future, she remains open to new opportunities. “Just before this festival, a passionate young director approached me for a short project. It touched me deeply, and I accepted. For me, desire is paramount,” she stated. Additionally, her role in La cuidadora promises to be another significant chapter in her ongoing journey as an actress.
Through her powerful performance in calle málaga, Carmen Maura demonstrates that age is merely a number, and the quest for artistic expression knows no bounds.