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Karmen Gei

Director Joseph Gaï Ramaka has completely recast the Bizet_s classic Carmen using the finest musicians and choreographers in Senegal. These include Doudou N_Diaye Rose_s sabar drummers, Juliern Jouga_s choir, the romantic ballads of El Hadj Ndiaye and the prophetic voice of folk diva Yande Coudou Sene. But the real revelation of the production is Djeinaba Diop Gai, whose proud portrayal of Karmen and intoxicating dancing set a new standard of sensuality. Ramaka complicates the sexual tension further through the bold leap of making her the first bisexual Carmen. Director Ramaka explains: 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.

Dir Joseph Gai Ramaka with Djeinaba Diop Gai, Magaye Niang, Stéphanie Biddle Senegal 2001/84 mins