With carnival weekend upon us, some may laugh with unfettered joy, whilst others contemplate whether adding a dial combination lock to their front door is going to far…

If you are of the former persuasion, here are a few Carnival-inspired pick-me-up type film suggestions to get you/keep you in the mood:

BLACK ORPHEUS:

Made in 1959 and filmed in Brazil by French director, Marcel Camus, Black Orpheus re-frames the ancient Greek story of Orpheus and Eurydice amongst the favelas and Carnaval of Rio.

GYPSY CARAVAN:

A dizzying documentary with some of the jumpiest, most beautiful music you could hope to clap your ears on… An intimate exploration and exposition of gypsy music and life through some of their greatest performers. If you want to set your own soundtrack to Carnival, here’s a good place to start.

FESTIVAL EXPRESS:

If gypsy music isn’t quite your thing, jump on board the wild Festival Express train, carrying some of the greatest performers of the 60s and 70s rock music scene as they endeavour to tour Canada.

PARIS IS BURNING:

Fierce and beautiful documentary on the New York voguing scene and drag balls of the 80s. Show Madonna how it’s done with your post-viewing moves…

ON TOUR:

Vivacious little film with actor and director, Mathieu Amalric, playing the manager of a team of American burlesque dancers on tour in Paris. Watch this with your feathers on, and then venture out to join the rest of London’s fabulous peacocks.

TEARS OF THE BLACK TIGER:

Thai Technicolor-style western. What else do you need?

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If you are one of those people for whom Carnival makes you feel:

then how about something a bit more soothing? Why not go on retreat..?

INTO GREAT SILENCE:

Documentary on monastic life inside the Grande Chartreuse in France.

WHEEL OF TIME:

Werner Herzog documentary on the mandala ritual in Tibetan Buddhism.

BARAKA & SAMSARA:

The ultimate in bliss-out viewing. Watch with your backpack filled and ready to go.

posted by Dixie Turner