• Submitted by: manso
• Arts and Culture
• 06 / 07 / 2011

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The French film The Black Venus, starring Cuban Yahima Torres in her acting debut, is now in Havana movie theaters.

Directed by Adbellatif Kechiche, the film has won praise from international critics and the Lumiere prize for Torres as best actress for playing South African woman Saartje Baartman, the victim of racism in early 19th century France.

In statements to Prensa Latina when the film opened in Havana on Saturday, the 30-year-old Torres said the role changed her life not only as an actress but also as a human being.

"I was very proud to play Baartman, a Bushman tribe member with hypertrophied genitals who amazed European scientists, artists and bourgeois society people, who abused her like an animal," Torres said.

"It is important for everyone to know about this type of story, which still happens in these times full of differences and racism among the peoples," she added.

For the role, which also won her a nomination for the Cesar awards, Torres took classes in acting and Afrikaans, cut her hair, and gained weight.

She said she plans to continue acting and has several proposals awaiting her in France, including in the theater.

The Black Venus is one of 23 films that will be screened through June 30 for the 14th French Film Festival in Cuba. 

Source: PL