Beautiful, interesting, incredible cinema.
Saartjie Baartman left her native South Africa and travelled to Europe with her master, Caezar. There the latter exhibits his former domestic to a hungry and sensation-seeking public as the “Hottentot Venus” who is exploited as a popular attraction among both wealthy and poor members of society.
Based on the shocking real-life story of Black performer Sarah Baartman, Abdellatif Kechiche (Blue is the Warmest Color) marshals a blistering critique of racism, misogyny, and the colonial gaze that turns us into complicit voyeurs. Featuring a truly remarkable debut performance from Yahima Torres.
Saartjie Baartman left her native South Africa and travelled to Europe with her master, Caezar. There the latter exhibits his former domestic to a hungry and sensation-seeking public as the “Hottentot Venus” who is exploited as a popular attraction among both wealthy and poor members of society.