‘Viva Carmen’ Animated Film Reimagines Bizet Opera for Children
The French animated feature “Viva Carmen” offers a visually striking adaptation of Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera, refashioning the tale of murderous passion as a children’s film. Directed by Sébastien Laudenbach and co-designed with graphic designer Cyril Pedrosa, the film uses an intensely saturated palette to evoke 19th-century Andalusia. According to a Variety review, the script by Santiago Otheguy invents a new protagonist: Salvador (voiced by Milo Machado-Graner), a teenage orphan in Seville who encounters the wild-spirited Romani woman Carmen (Camélia Jordana). The story also features Antonio (Paul Minthe), a blind knife-sharpener who sees visions, and fellow urchin Belén (Soumaye Bocoum). The film builds on a concept by director and producer Pierre-Henri Léon, and its score by Amine Bouhafa and Isabelle Laudenbach interpolates Bizet’s compositions with a folky lilt. The review notes that while “Viva Carmen” is a less emotionally affecting work than Laudenbach’s previous film “Chicken for Linda!”, its sensory dazzle is its selling point. Following festival dates at Cannes and Annecy, the film is expected to be distributed Stateside by GKIDS.
What’s reported
“Viva Carmen” is a French animated feature that adapts Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera “Carmen” as a children’s film.
The film is directed by Sébastien Laudenbach, with graphic design by Cyril Pedrosa.
The script, written by Santiago Otheguy, invents a new protagonist named Salvador.
Salvador is a teenage orphan in 19th-century Seville, voiced by Milo Machado-Graner.
Other characters include Carmen (voiced by Camélia Jordana), Antonio (Paul Minthe), and Belén (Soumaye Bocoum).
The score is composed by Amine Bouhafa and Isabelle Laudenbach, blending Bizet’s music with flamenco guitar.
The film has been screened at Cannes and Annecy festivals.
GKIDS is expected to distribute the film in the United States.
Key figures
Sébastien Laudenbach (director)
Cyril Pedrosa (graphic designer)
Pierre-Henri Léon (producer, concept creator)
Santiago Otheguy (scriptwriter)
Milo Machado-Graner (voice of Salvador)
Camélia Jordana (voice of Carmen)
Paul Minthe (voice of Antonio)
Soumaye Bocoum (voice of Belén)
Amine Bouhafa (composer)
Isabelle Laudenbach (composer and flamenco guitarist)
Georges Bizet (original opera composer)
Prosper Mérimée (author of original novella)
Sources: Variety
