Karnaval is set against a backdrop of intolerance and hostility in the gloomy Northern French city of Dunkirk. The story is set during carnival time, when the citizens let themselves loose for six weeks of partying, carousing and having a good time. The film centers on Larbi, an Arab youth, and his confrontation with one of the turning points of his life. After a violent argument with his father, Larbi decides to leave the family's business and go to Marseilles for a fresh start. On his last night in the town he grew up in, he sleeps in the hallway of an apartment building, where he is disturbed by Béa and Christian, a couple having fun at the carnival. Larbi is attracted to Béa and decides to stay a few more days to try his luck. In the free atmosphere of the carnival, Larbi discovers a world that he did not know existed, a world which is about to clash with his conservative outlook, and the three lives are changed forever.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
4 people
Thomas Vincent Director · Maxime Sassier Writer Krishna Levy Composer
Worldwide gross $1.3M · Budget $1.9M · First release March 3, 1999
Box office
Budget
$1,900,000
Worldwide gross
$1,300,000
Gross vs. budget
0.7×
Production
ADR Productions
Production
Compagnie Méditerranéenne de Cinéma (CMC)
Production
France
Produced in
Languages
Original language
French
Spoken on screen
French
Release dates
France · March 3, 1999
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
More from Thomas Vincent
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked Karnaval
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.
Some details come from TheTVDB.