Karnaval backdrop
DRAMA . 1999 . 1h 28m . 6.0/10

Karnaval_

Karnaval is set against a backdrop of intolerance and hostility in the gloomy Northern French city of Dunkirk. The story is set during carnival time, when the citizens let themselves loose for six weeks of partying, carousing and having a good time. The film centers on Larbi, an Arab youth, and his confrontation with one of the turning points of his life. After a violent argument with his father, Larbi decides to leave the family's business and go to Marseilles for a fresh start. On his last night in the town he grew up in, he sleeps in the hallway of an apartment building, where he is disturbed by Béa and Christian, a couple having fun at the carnival. Larbi is attracted to Béa and decides to stay a few more days to try his luck. In the free atmosphere of the carnival, Larbi discovers a world that he did not know existed, a world which is about to clash with his conservative outlook, and the three lives are changed forever.

Starring Sylvie Testud, Amar ben Abdallah, Clovis Cornillac
6.0/10
Rating
1h 28m
Runtime
1999
Year
Updated Feb 16, 2026
Karnaval poster

Karnaval is set against a backdrop of intolerance and hostility in the gloomy Northern French city of Dunkirk. The story is set during carnival time, when the citizens let themselves loose for six weeks of partying, carousing and having a good time. The film centers on Larbi, an Arab youth, and his confrontation with one of the turning points of his life. After a violent argument with his father, Larbi decides to leave the family's business and go to Marseilles for a fresh start. On his last night in the town he grew up in, he sleeps in the hallway of an apartment building, where he is disturbed by Béa and Christian, a couple having fun at the carnival. Larbi is attracted to Béa and decides to stay a few more days to try his luck. In the free atmosphere of the carnival, Larbi discovers a world that he did not know existed, a world which is about to clash with his conservative outlook, and the three lives are changed forever.

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DROPTHE_ GOSSIP

Cast
Sylvie Testud stars as Béa in Karnaval.
Sylvie Testud →
Year context
Karnaval was released 27 years ago in 1999.
Overview
Karnaval is set against a backdrop of intolerance and hostility in the gloomy Northern French city of Dunkirk. The story is set during carnival time, when th...
Karnaval is a Drama, Comedy film with a runtime of 1h 28m.

CAST (4)

Sylvie Testud
Sylvie Testud
Béa
AB
Amar ben Abdallah
Larbi
Clovis Cornillac
Clovis Cornillac
Christian
Jean-Paul Rouve
Jean-Paul Rouve
Pine

DETAILS

Release
Status
Released
Runtime
88 min (1h 28m)
Country
Rating
6.0/10 (10 votes)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Karnaval about?
Karnaval is set against a backdrop of intolerance and hostility in the gloomy Northern French city of Dunkirk. The story is set during carnival time, when the citizens let themselves loose for six weeks of partying, carousing and having a good time. The film centers on Larbi, an Arab youth, and his confrontation with one of the turning points of his life. After a violent argument with his father, Larbi decides to leave the family's business and go to Marseilles for a fresh start. On his last night in the town he grew up in, he sleeps in the hallway of an apartment building, where he is disturbed by Béa and Christian, a couple having fun at the carnival. Larbi is attracted to Béa and decides to stay a few more days to try his luck. In the free atmosphere of the carnival, Larbi discovers a world that he did not know existed, a world which is about to clash with his conservative outlook, and the three lives are changed forever.
How long is Karnaval?
Karnaval has a runtime of 88 minutes (1h 28m).
Who stars in Karnaval?
The cast of Karnaval includes Sylvie Testud, Amar ben Abdallah, Clovis Cornillac, Jean-Paul Rouve.
What is the rating of Karnaval?
Karnaval has a rating of 6.0 out of 10 based on 10 votes on TMDB.

GENRES (2)

Drama Comedy
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