After nearly 1.5 million admissions in France as of May 21, French Premiere invites you to discover Ma Mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan, (Once Upon My Mother) a moving and luminous film presented in the San Francisco Bay Area on June 4 and 5, 2025.
Adapted from the autobiographical book by Roland Perez, this film directed by Ken Scott (Starbuck) tells the true story of Esther, a Sephardic Jewish mother in 1960s Paris, who refuses to accept the predetermined fate of her son born with a clubfoot. Portrayed masterfully by Leïla Bekhti, Esther wages an epic, extravagant, and inspiring battle, blending faith, humor, white lies, and unconditional love. At her side, Jonathan Cohen plays an adult Roland, moved and grateful, in a deeply personal story with universal resonance.
Filled with both laughter and tears, Ma Mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan is a heartfelt tribute to all everyday heroic mothers. The presence of Sylvie Vartan, playing herself, brings a magical touch to this modern fable.
Mountain View: June 4, 2025 at 7PM
Mountain View Cinemark, 1500 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Tickets hereSan Francisco: June 5, 2025 at 7PM
Marina Theatre: 2149 Chestnut St. San Francisco, CA 94123
Tickets hereFilm in French with English subtitles
