I just finished an essay (with my research assistant Adam Esrig) on new developments in African film–most notably the business model of Nollywood, the emergence of South Africa as a cheap back lot for B-grade Hollywood films and TV commercials, and developments around “Beur” Cinema) for a new book on African cinema. In the process I came across a reference to the work of the French-Tunisian director, Abdellatif Kechiche. He is apparently working on a new film, “Black Venus,” about Sara Baartman, the 18th century Khoi teenager publicly exhibited as a circus freak in Europe and whose sexual organs were prodded and examined by racist French scientists to prove the Khoi’s close relation to animals.

Not much is known is reported about the film except that Kechiche has been working on it since 2008 (when casting began), that he uses mainly non-professional actors and that the film will explore his usual theme of immigration. Also that it should premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival in September, although that’s not entirely clear from the festival’s website.

Anybody else know more?