Karmen Gei
Director Joseph Gaï Ramaka writes: "Carmen is a myth but what does Carmen represent today? Where do Carmen's love and freedom stand at the onset of the 21st Century? Therein lies my film's intent, a black Carmen, plunged in the magical and chaotic urbanity of an African city." Karmen Geï is the first African Carmen and, arguably, the first African filmed "musical." Accordingly, Gaï Ramaka has completely replaced Bizet's score and the usual staging with indigenous Senegalese music and choreography. Karmen Geï may convince viewers that this African ambience is what the Carmen legend, perhaps leading back through Andalusia to its African roots, has been waiting for all these years.
"The effect is perhaps most readily comparable to
Black Orpheus...Karmen Gei transcends tourist exoticism thanks to star Gaï's formidable presence - here is the rare Carmen to possess rather than 'act" a sexual magnetism that's more femme vivre than fatale."
Variety
"Here is one of most beautiful modern presentations of the Carmen myth, reconstructed with a new setting, contemporary Senegal. An enchanting set, African music and dance, colorful scenes and costumes are woven together in a mesmerizing rhythm and cinematography."
Le Figaro
"Weaves a spell. The music transforms the story into something free and graceful."
Libération
"One cannot say that one has a real knowledge of world cinema today without having experienced the exciting films coming out of Africa. African filmmakers are among the most artistically talented and technically astute in the world"
Linda Blackaby, Director of Programming
"African Cinema is known for its stylish cinematography, and here the underworld of Dakar and its kindly denizens are captured beautifully win dusky jewel tones rubbed with grit."
France Reade, SF Weekly
Karmen Gei
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Ways to Watch
Educational Streaming
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Community Screening
Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants, where no admission is charged).
Home Viewing
48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply