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Carmen's Feminist Twist: Animated Opera Reimagined
11 Sep
Summary
- Animated opera 'Viva Carmen' offers a feminist reimagining of Bizet's classic.
- Silvia Pérez Cruz voices Carmen, singing new songs for Spanish version.
- Film premieres at TIFF on Sept. 11, with U.S. distribution pending.
Director Sébastien Laudenbach has completed a Spanish-language version of his animated film "Viva Carmen," a feminist reimagining of Georges Bizet's opera. The film, which had its world premiere in Cannes' Directors' Fortnight, features flamenco singer Silvia Pérez Cruz as the voice of Carmen and performer of new songs for the Spanish edition. Pérez Cruz was previously featured alongside Rosalía on the song "La Rumba del Perdón." The animated opera is set to have its North American premiere in TIFF's Centerpiece section on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Laudenbach aims to present Carmen as a real woman prioritizing freedom over love, willing to face any consequence. The story, set in Seville in 1845, follows a teenage assistant who, foreseeing Carmen's tragic destiny, rallies street kids to defy fate. The director believes films like "Viva Carmen" are important for communicating with younger audiences, calling it a "film for everyone."
"Viva Carmen" will be released in Spain by Filmin and Elástica Films, with a local premiere at the Seville Film Festival. U.S. distribution rights are currently under negotiation. The French-language version, with Camélia Jordana voicing Carmen, will be released in France by Haut et Court.
