Tag: Carmen & Bolude

Star-Studded Celebration: Carmen & Bolude Debuts at Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace

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FilmCentral Magazine had the honour of attending the Australian red carpet premiere of Carmen & Bolude at the prestigious Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace on March 19th. Following its successful world premiere in Los Angeles, the Australian debut was a spectacular celebration of cinema, drawing an impressive lineup of celebrities, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts.

The event was a star-studded affair, with notable figures from the entertainment industry gracing the red carpet. Producer Yolandi Franken, along with the film’s creator-writers Bolude Watson and Michela Carattini, took centre stage, expressing their excitement and gratitude for the film’s reception. Among the many esteemed guests were comedian David Collins of The Umbilical Brothers, actor Joey Vieira known for his role in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, and many more. Celebrated actress and influencer Suzan Mutesi added to the glamour of the night.

The film Carmen & Bolude has been generating significant buzz within the industry. Co-written by Bolude Watson and Michela Carattini, the film is a testament to the power of storytelling and cultural exploration. With its successful Los Angeles premiere setting a high benchmark, anticipation for the Australian screening was immense. The film did not disappoint, taking audiences on a deeply engaging cinematic journey that was met with enthusiastic applause.

The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, one of Sydney’s most iconic theatres, provided the perfect setting for the premiere. Known for its classic Art Deco architecture and rich history, the venue added an air of elegance and grandeur to the evening. The energy on the red carpet was palpable, with attendees posing for photos, conducting interviews, and sharing their excitement for the film. FilmCentral Magazine had the privilege of capturing the essence of the night, from the dazzling red carpet moments to the heartfelt conversations among guests.

Photographer Mohan Raj beautifully documented the night, taking stunning images of the event. These photographs reflect the excitement and grandeur of the evening, preserving the magic of the film’s Australian premiere.

As Carmen & Bolude continues its journey across international film festivals and theatrical releases, its Australian debut marks a significant milestone. The film’s success highlights the growing recognition of diverse storytelling and strengthens Australia’s presence in the global entertainment industry. FilmCentral Magazine is proud to have been part of this remarkable event and looks forward to following the film’s journey. Check out the photos below courtesy of Mohan Raj:

Carmen & Bolude: A Groundbreaking Australian Film Set to Dazzle Sydney

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Following the incredible success of her last film Streets of Colour, which earned a 2024 AACTA nomination and saw sold-out screenings, producer Yolandi Franken is once again making waves in the Australian film industry. Her latest venture, Carmen & Bolude, is set to make its highly anticipated Australian debut on March 19th at the prestigious Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Sydney. The film first captured international attention with its world premiere in Los Angeles, and now, Australian audiences are eager to experience this groundbreaking production.

What sets Carmen & Bolude apart is its unique place in Australian cinema history—it is the very first Australian feature film written, directed, and produced entirely by African and Latin Australian women. Franken, known for championing diverse storytelling, acknowledges some thematic similarities between Carmen & Bolude and Streets of Colour, but she assures audiences that this latest film brings an entirely different energy.

“Although both have heart, Carmen & Bolude is also full of humour and a whole lot of personality,” says Franken. “We’re getting to see life in Australia from diverse female points of view, but in a way that’s fun – and makes us laugh out loud!”

A Red-Carpet Affair

The Australian premiere of Carmen & Bolude is set to be an unmissable event. Featuring a glamorous red carpet, sparkling wine, and an array of well-known Australian comedians and influencers, the night is expected to be a dazzling celebration of diversity in film. Among the stellar cast members gracing the screen are David Collins (of The Umbilical Brothers), Joey Veiera (of Dora and the Lost City of Gold), Joe Avati (recently crowned 2024 Australian Comedian of the Year), Suzan Mutesi, Olivia Vasquez, and many more. Their collective talent and charisma are sure to elevate the film’s already dynamic storytelling.

A Story Rooted in Reality

At the heart of Carmen & Bolude is a narrative based on real-life experiences. The film’s creator-writers, Bolude Watson and Michela Carattini, drew from their own lives, blending personal anecdotes with a touch of movie magic to craft a compelling story.

“People always guess wrong about which parts are true and which aren’t,” says Carattini. “But I can promise that everything that happens in this movie happened to us or to other people in our lives. Ultimately, our goal is to bring people together – to laugh, cry, think – but mostly, to dance.”

This honest and heartfelt approach to storytelling ensures that Carmen & Bolude resonates deeply with audiences, particularly those who have ever navigated life’s ups and downs in a multicultural world.

A Celebration of Culture and Music

Beyond its engaging narrative, Carmen & Bolude shines in its celebration of music and culture. The film features an electrifying soundtrack that brings together some of Australia’s finest Latin, African, and Indigenous artists. The music, composed by Sydney’s very own Maari Music, is an essential element of the film, adding layers of emotion and energy that amplify the storytelling.

Watson, who played a crucial role in crafting the film’s Nigerian aspects, emphasises the importance of authentic representation in the film’s music. “I wanted my people to hear themselves,” she says, “to hear their music from the vocal chords of their own people.”

The result is a vibrant, rhythmic, and deeply moving score that is sure to leave audiences captivated.

A Must-See for Australian Audiences

With its blend of humour, heart, and cultural celebration, Carmen & Bolude promises to be one of the most exciting Australian films of 2024. The film not only brings diverse female voices to the forefront but also offers a refreshing and joyous cinematic experience.

As the countdown begins for its Sydney premiere, excitement continues to build among film lovers and industry professionals alike. With its trailblazing creators, star-studded cast, and a story that is both personal and universal, Carmen & Bolude is set to be a milestone in Australian cinema.

Don’t miss the chance to witness this extraordinary film when it premieres at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace on March 19th. Get ready to laugh, cry, and, most importantly—dance.

Carmen & Bolude to Premiere in Australia at the Hayden-Orpheum, Sydney

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Following sold-out screenings and a 2024 AACTA nomination for her last film, Streets of Colour, producer Yolandi Franken is even more excited about the Australian debut of her next film, Carmen & Bolude – set to premiere in Sydney on March 19th at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, following its world premiere in Los Angeles.

The very first Australian feature written, directed and produced entirely by African and Latin Australian women, Yolandi says there are some similar themes between her two latest films, but they have completely different energies. “Although both have heart, Carmen & Bolude is also full of humour, and a whole lot of personality,” says Franken, “We’re getting to see life in Australia from diverse female points of view, but in a way that’s fun – and makes us laugh out loud!”

The Australian Premiere of Carmen and Bolude promises to be a glitzy, red-carpet event with sparkling wine and plenty of high-profile Australian comedians and influencers lining the cast, including David Collins (of the Umbilical Brothers), Joey Veiera (of Dora and the Lost City of Gold), Joe Avati (2024 Australian Comedian of the Year), Suzan Mutesi, Olivia Vasquez and many more.

The story is based on the real-life events of the lives of creator-writers Bolude Watson and Michela Carattini, with a little movie fiction thrown into the mix. “People always guess wrong about which parts are true and which aren’t,” says Carattini, “but I can promise that everything that happens in this movie happened to us or to other people in our lives. Ultimately, our goal is to bring people together – to laugh, cry, think – but mostly, to dance.”

The film’s music is really something spectacular, showcasing a collection of Australian Latin, African and Indigenous artists, with a knock-out score and several original songs by Sydney locals Maari Music. “I wanted my people to hear themselves,” says Watson, who was very involved in the creation of the Nigerian aspects,  “to hear their music from the vocal chords of their own people.”

Now’s your chance to get a first glimpse of the magic. According to Franken, “This is a celebration of friendship, self-discovery, and all the messy, beautiful moments in between. From its laugh-out-loud comedic moments to its deeply resonant themes, this isn’t just a film—it’s a heartwarming reminder of what makes us all human.”

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9tkscH-lLQ

Book Your Tickets today: https://www.orpheum.com.au/movie/carmen-bolude-australian-premiere

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #CarmenAndBolude to join the fun.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Yolandi Franken, Producer: +61 0404 385 988 / yolandi@frankendipity.com

Breaking: Buddy-Comedy “Carmen & Bolude” The Only Australian Project Invited To IFF At TIFF 2021

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Australian producers Yolandi Franken and Michela Carattini of Draw Your Own Box Productions were ecstatic when they received the news their feature film “Carmen & Bolude” was selected for the highly competitive Ontario Creates International Financing Forum 2021 (iff 2021) at TIFF (or Toronto International Film Festival). “All of us know this project is magic,” says Franken, “that there is a force greater than us at play.”

The news came on the heels of preparing their Generate Development Funding acquittal for Screen Australia, and Bolude Watson and Carattini, who is also the co-writer of the script, had only just finished the final draft due for the acquittal. The project had already been seven years in the making, but the final shooting script had to be written together across 13,000km, with Watson unable to get home to Sydney from Edmonton, Canada due to the pandemic. 

“Bolude would be writing dialogue into her phone in the middle of the night while breastfeeding and trying to toilet train,” says Carattini, “I was in lockdown with two young kids of my own, and I thought to myself, ‘we can do it like this, we can do it differently – however works! The entire process for us has been profoundly similar to giving birth, and on all counts, we are privileged and blessed to have an enormous amount of support and encouragement.” That support, which included Anthea Williams as script editor, Beatrix Christian as script consultant, Paul, and Akala Newman as Gadigal consultants, a Sydney-based “Quarantine Writer’s Group” and household members generously looking after children whenever possible, saw the final script completed two weeks ahead of schedule, to the celebratory news of being one of only 20 international projects – and the only Australian project – chosen for the premiere financing forum.

Now in its 16th year, the premiere two-day market serves international and Canadian producers developing mostly English-language projects and takes place in association with Toronto International Film Festival. Selected international and Canadian producers are brought together with international sales agents, US distributors, agents, equity financiers, and executive producers for brokered meetings and exclusive networking opportunities. This year the forum, which runs September 12th and 13th, 2021, will be an all-virtual event due to the pandemic. “Of course, there is nothing like those in-person networking events,” says Franken, “but being in lockdown in Sydney, we wouldn’t have been able to attend if it weren’t online this year – so that accessibility is a huge relief.” 

Projects include diverse and LGBTQ-themed narratives, female-driven stories, comedies, romance, and drama from all over the world, including teams from the UK, Brazil, Croatia, El Salvador, Finland, Greece, India, Israel, Scotland and the U.S. Event producer Larisa Gutmanis stated in the ‘IFF at TIFF 2021 Kickoff Panel,’ available on the Ontario Creates website, that IFF looks for projects in the US $1M-15M budget range of any genre except documentary and animation. “We look for originality – something we’ve never seen before,” she remarked, “All the executives want to see original material, and why a project is important now.” 

“‘Carmen & Bolude is based on Michela and my lives” says Watson, “That was the reason we wrote it: we were desperate to see a story we could relate to on the subject of multiple cultural identities and being constantly asked to choose.” Carattini adds, “For us, Australia has a unique light to shed on the subject, and we’re seeking to engage the conversation from a perspective we haven’t seen before, using laughter as a means of connection and accessibility, while still holding space for the depth of human experiences on this issue.” 

For more information, go to www.carmenandbolude.com