EX15+
•
102m
JIFF25: Once Upon My Mother
Book Tickets
Synopsis
Australian Premiere
Based on the bestselling autobiography by Roland Perez, this exuberant and heartrending film pays tribute to a love like no other – a mother’s love for her child.
In 1963, Roland is born to Esther, her sixth child in their close-knit Jewish immigrant family living in the Parisian suburbs. When Esther learns that Roland has been born with a club foot, she vows to ensure her son lives not just a normal life, but a fabulous one. She enlists the help of a determined specialist and the pop songs of Sylvie Vartan (who makes a cameo in the film) to help Roland defy all expectations and learn to walk.
This joyful crowd-pleaser is vibrantly shot by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Guillaume Schiffman (The Artist) and features a powerhouse performance from Leïla Bekhti (Paris, je t’aime) as the fiercely devoted Esther. The film absolutely smashed the French box office, counting over 1.5 million admissions.
French with English subtitles
Opening Date
Thursday, Dec 11, 2025
Rating
EX15+
Length
102m
Reviews
One of the most beautiful films of the new year, between laughter and tears!
A true tribute to courageous and determined mothers.
Luna Recommended
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The epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion to last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation.
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An entertaining, touching and uplifting look at a cultural force that changed Australia forever.
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