Black Venus is a 2010 French film directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. The movie is based on the true story of Saartjes Baartman, who was brought to Europe by her master Hendrik Caezar in 1810. The film portrays the exploitation and abuse that Baartman faced as a sideshow attraction due to her large buttocks and genitalia, which was seen as exotic and inferior by European audiences.
As Baartman begins to understand the true nature of her situation, she dreams of returning to her homeland and living a life of freedom. However, she is confined to a life of humiliation and degradation as her body is put on display for the amusement of the crowds. Baartman's treatment by the white Europeans raises questions about race, objectification, and exploitation, and the film highlights the inequalities and prejudices that persist today.
Black Venus received critical acclaim for its powerful performance by lead actress Yahima Torres, who played Saartjes Baartman. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the 2010 Venice Film Festival and also received nominations for the César Award and the Lumière Award. Black Venus remains a poignant and important film that confronts the legacy of colonialism and racism in Europe and beyond.