Once Upon My Mother

Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan

In Paris 1963, Esther gave birth to Roland, the youngest sibling of a large family. Roland was born with a clubfoot that prevented him from standing. Against everyone’s advice, she promised her son that he would be able to walk just like everyone else and have a wonderful life. From that moment on, Esther devoted herself fully to ensuring this promise came true. Spanning decades of hardships and miracles, this film is the true story of an incredible destiny and the greatest love of all: a mother’s love for her child.

Once Upon My Mother is a comedy-drama, directed by Canadian Ken Scott. The film was adapted by Mr. Scott from the 2021 autobiographical novel “Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan” by French lawyer and broadcaster Roland Perez, which centres on his experiences growing up with a mother who is determined not to let her son’s disability stop him from leading a full and successful life.

SPONSORED BY:
Judy and Isaac Thau

Festivals and Awards

• Winner: Audience Choice Award (Best Narrative Feature), San Diego Inernational Jewish Film Festival, 2026
• Winner: Audience Award (Best Narrative Film), Miamo Jewish Film Festival, 2026
• Winner: Outstanding Canadian Film, Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival, 2025
• Winner: Best Hairstyling, Québec Cinéma Awards, 2025
• Nominee: Audience Choice (Best Film), Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival, 2025
• Nominee: Best Actress (Leila Bekhti), César Awards, France, 2026
• Nominee: Best Production Design, César Awards, France, 2026
• Nominee: Best Actress (Leila Bekhti), Le Gala Quebec Cinema, 2025