Black Venus (2010)

In the early 19th century, Saartjes Baartman, an African domestic servant, is swept from the Dutch-ruled southern plains of Africa and into the heart of Europe by her employer-turned-ringmaster, Hendrick Caesar. Eager for fame and fortune, she soon finds herself entrapped in the cruel spectacle of London's carnival scene, paraded as an exotic curiosity to the gawking public. When their act stirs up a whirlpool of complications, Saartje, Caesar, and their newfound accomplice, a bear-tamer named Réaux, flee to the city of lights: Paris. Here, against her will, Saartje is once again thrust into the limelight, her body and supposed savagery on display, first in the city's bustling carnivals, then amidst the opulent salons of Parisian aristocracy, and later, in the shadowy chambers of libertine societies. Her journey takes a darker turn as she spirals into the seedy underbelly of Paris, her life reduced to that of a brothel worker. Meanwhile, French anatomists, intrigued by Saartje's unique physical attributes, scrutinize her body, labeling her as the evolutionary bridge between apes and humans. In 1815, at the tender age of 27, Saartje's tragic tale concludes as she succumbs to pneumonia and venereal disease, dying alone in a world that exploited her in the name of curiosity and entertainment. This poignant film uncovers the heartbreaking story of Black Venus, a woman whose life was stolen by a world that viewed her as little more than an object of fascination.

Black Venus is a drama movie featuring Yahima Torres and directed by Abdellatif Kechiche.

Black Venus is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Darkmatter TV, Kanopy, Midnight Pulp and Tubi TV and it's also available on ARROW, Fandor and Fandor Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Black Venus on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store and YouTube.