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

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

Los Angeles, CA (March 08, 2025). 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 & 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 Official Trailer for Carmen & Bolude Produced by Yolandi Franken

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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.”

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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.” 

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

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