‘Chicken for Linda!’ Co-Director Sébastien Laudenbach Takes on Iconic Character in ‘Viva Carmen’ – And Readies to Work with Singer Silvia Pérez Cruz (EXCLUSIVE)

May 21, 2026 9:01am PT ‘Chicken for Linda!’ Co-Director Sébastien Laudenbach Takes on Iconic Character in ‘Viva Carmen’ – And Readies to Work with Singer Silvia Pérez Cruz (EXCLUSIVE)

By Marta Balaga

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Marta Balaga

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Viva Carmen Courtesy of Global Constellation / Folivari

Sébastien Laudenbach isn’t afraid to take on Bizet’s iconic “Carmen” in his latest animation, “Viva Carmen,” and make it more child-friendly.

“It’s not a film ‘adapted’ for kids, but it’s accessible to them,” he told Variety.

Set in Seville in 1845, it follows teenage Salva who works as an assistant to Antonio, a knife grinder who can also see the future. After an encounter with a soldier, José, Antonio makes a horrific prediction. Salva, accompanied by a group of street kids led by Belén, decides to change the prophecy – and save Carmen. 

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