Verein allerArt: LeinwandLounge: Ma Mère​-​ Dieu Et Sylvie Vartan

France 2025, 102 min, French with English subtitles
Director: Ken Scott
Cast: Leïla Bekhti, Jonathan Cohen, Joséphine Japy, Lionel Dray, Jeanne Balibar, Sylvie Vartan

In 1963, Esther (Leïla Bekhti) gives birth to her youngest son Roland, who is born with a clubfoot and initially cannot stand. Determined to give him a normal life, she promises him that one day he will walk like other children and lead a fulfilling life. With great effort, she helps him overcome physical hurdles and societal prejudices. Her promise to enable him to lead a full life accompanies her through a moving journey filled with challenges and successes – and French songs that Esther attributes healing powers to.

“Outstandingly performed, atmospheric dramedy based on a true story, which begins furiously comical and gains in seriousness, while never entirely losing its humor.” (filmstarts.de)
“A tragicomedy, equally humorous and touching, carried by the great leading actress Leïla Bekhti, which passionately celebrates a mother’s love and life.” (film-netz.com)
“A heartfelt tragicomedy based on the autobiography of the French lawyer Roland Perez, which effortlessly shifts from the comedic to the melodramatic and sings a hymn to maternal love.” (filmdienst.de)

Detailed review at: https://www.film-netz.com/post/mit-liebe-und-chansons-filmrezension-ken-scott-sylvie-vartan
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogb3GGFzSvk
Distribution: Panda Filmverleih