Africa Belle Film: Karmen Geï

*Not Appropriate for children*

Like every Carmen, Karmen Geï is about the conflict between infinite desire for freedom and the laws, conventions, languages, the human limitations which constrain that desire. Yet Karmen Geï is the first African Carmen and, arguably, the first African filmed "musical." Accordingly, director Gaï Ramaka has completely replaced Bizet's score and the usual staging with indigenous Senegalese music and choreography that truly brings the plot to life.

The Buzz:

But there is so much working for "Karmen Gei" -...the colorful African fabrics that are worn by the women prisoners; and the portrayal of Karmen Gei as a kind of superhero to the downtrodden -- that the film becomes an overwhelming pleasure, and you find yourself rooting for Gai's character to avoid the fate that has befallen every other Carmen before her.

 -Jonathan Curiel, San Francisco Chronicle

*Not Appropriate for children*