Filming Adaptation of Roland Perez's Novel Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan

Gaumont and Egerie Productions announce the start of shooting of the film adapted from Roland Perez's novel of the same name Ma mère, Dieu, et Sylvie Vartan (Editions Les Escales) in co-production with Prime Video. Prime Video is the only partner, alongside Gaumont and Egerie Productions, in this unprecedented partnership. The lead roles are played by Leïla Bekhti (Nous trois ou rien, Je verrai toujours vos visages) and Jonathan Cohen (Sentinelle, Une année difficile). Singer Sylvie Vartan, whose voice lulls Roland's childhood, also makes an appearance. Naïm Naji, Milo Machado Graner, Lionel Dray, Joséphine Japy, Jeanne Balibar and Anne Le Ny complete the cast. The film's director, Ken Scott (Starbuck), also wrote the screenplay, adaptation and dialogue. The film is produced by Sidonie Dumas (Gaumont) and Sophie Tepper (Egerie Productions), in co-production with Prime Video and Christal Films Productions Inc (Canada). Gaumont will release the film theatrically in France and holds all distribution rights in France and internationally (except Canada).

Based on a tender, funny and warm-hearted tale of family and difference, the film tells the story of Roland, born with a clubfoot, and his mother, Esther, a Sephardic Jew with a strong character, who decides to do everything in her power to ensure that Roland is not handicapped all his life. His mother's self-sacrifice and a consuming passion for Sylvie Vartan enable Roland to live his dreams despite his difference.

Sidonie Dumas, Managing Director of Gaumont: "Working with Ken Scott on this adaptation of Roland Perez's poignant novel is a unique opportunity. His talent for telling funny and moving stories is undeniable. We are thrilled to collaborate with Egérie Productions and Prime Video to bring to light this touching story about family and difference. This project embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines Gaumont, and we can't wait to see this beautiful story come to life".

Sophie Tepper, Producer at Egerie Productions: "I couldn't be happier to have Ken Scott, Leila Bekhti and Jonathan Cohen on the same bill for this first delegated co-production with Sidonie Dumas. We all fell under the spell of the true story of Roland Perez and his extraordinary mother Esther. The Gaumont teams have been invaluable allies in creating this unprecedented partnership with Prime Video, enabling this ambitious film to see the light of day."

Brigitte Ricou-Bellan, Director of Prime Video, France: "We are excited to be able to offer film fans 'My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan' in theaters and on Prime Video and we will continue experimenting and innovating to benefit our French theatrical production and distribution partners”.

Thomas Dubois, Head of Originals Amazon Studios, Prime Video, France: "We're delighted to be able to innovate alongside Gaumont, a key partner for us, on a film whose strength and importance of storytelling instantly seduced us and pushed us to think outside the box. This is our first French theatrical production, and the fact that it's being made under the watchful eye of Ken Scott bringing together Leila Bekhti and Jonathan Cohen couldn't have come at a better time."