Karmen Gei Senegal - 84 minutes Friday, July 26 at 7:00 pm Written and directed by Joseph Gai Ramaka. Produced by Richard Sandler. This Senegalese, French and Canadian film is one of the most beautiful modern presentations of the Carmen myth reconstructed with a new setting - contemporary Senegal. Karmen Gei retells the legend that concerns the conflict between the infinite desire for freedom and the laws, conventions, languages, and human limitations which constrain that desire. Not only is this the first African Carmen of the 52 versions on film, it is also, arguably, the first African film “musical” ever produced. With an enchanting set, African music and dance, and colorful scenes and costumes, this film is woven together with mesmerizing rhythm, delicate eroticism and brilliant cinematography. Starring Djeinaba Diop Gai, Magaye Niang, Stéphanie Biddle, Thierno Ndiaye Dos, and Djeynaba Niang. In French and Wolof with English subtitles. A California Newsreel release.