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Sarah Maldoror's Carnaval Trilogy (12*) + Introduction from Alexandra Reza

Cinema Restored

,Cinema 2
A man stands in a Carnival parade.

Three films by French filmmaker Sarah Maldoror, that look at carnival and celebration after independence in West Africa in the 1980s.

Across the last few years, the life and work of Sarah Maldoror (1929-2020) has become a staple across international film festivals.

Her large body of work has been finding its way back into the public consciousness, due to restorations and the tireless work of her daughters Annouchka de Andrade and Henda Ducados, who have been looking after her estate and maintaining her legacy. 

These three films, made between 1979 -1980, were made at the invitation of the leaders of Cape Verde & Guinea-Bissau, to document the countries’ newfound independence. 

Though not envisioned as a trilogy, Maldoror captures May Day celebrations and the preparation for carnivals. In doing so, her camera captures the energy, spirit and joy that these celebrations create, but also the role they play in establishing a sense of community in the aftermath of independence.

Tagged with: Cinema Cinema Restored

With thanks to Annouchka De Andrade.

Programme

Fogo, l’île de feu

Sarah Maldoror, 1979, Francia - Capo Verde, 33'

- A vibrant portrayal of the May Day celebrations in Cape Verde, highlighting the island’s cultural resilience and historical importance.

 

Cap-Vert, un carnaval dans le Sahel

Sarah Maldoror, 1979, Francia - Capo Verde, 28’

- A captivating look at the colorful preparations and celebrations of Cape Verde’s unique carnival traditions.

À Bissau, le carnaval 

Sarah Maldoror, 1980, Guinea-Bissau, 30’

- An insightful glimpse into the festive spirit and cultural expression of Guinea-Bissau’s carnival, reflecting the joy and unity of its people.

Biography

Alexandra Reza is Senior Lecturer in Comparative Literatures and Cultures at Bristol University. Her writing has been published in the London Review of Books, Times Literary Supplement, Guardian, New Left Review, Dissent Magazine, Reuters and elsewhere. She is a BBC New Generation Thinker and has recorded features and essays as a presenter, commentator and speaker for BBC Radio 3 and 4. Her academic monograph, Anticolonial Form: Literary Journals at the End of Empire, came out with Oxford University Press in 2024. Between 2024-2027 she has been awarded a Wolfson Fellowship by the British Academy to undertake new research into radical cinema at the end of empire.


 

Cinema 2

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.