Once Upon My Mother
March 15, 2026 6:00 PM
A poignant film with both comedic and dramatic notes that tells the true story of lawyer, journalist and broadcaster Roland Perez, the sixth child in a Moroccan Jewish family who was born with a clubfoot; and his mother Esther, whose unconditional love and audacious determination secured him the “fabulous life” she promised him as a baby.
(Dir. Ken Scott, France, 2025) | 1hr 42mins
As fierce and brave as her namesake in the Old Testament, Esther pleads, pushes, and prays her way through Roland’s childhood, adolescence and adulthood to create a miracle; never wavering in her dedication to save her son from a lesser life. Directed by French Canadian Ken Scott, this inspirational 2025 film showcases the power of a mother’s love as well as the healing power of music; in this instance through the compelling voice and presence of French singer and actress, Sylvie Vartan. An absorbing discussion and Q&A follows with Toronto-based Israeli psychologist Michal Gilboa-Hermel, who will explore the duelling psychological and cultural aspects of motherhood depicted in the two films.
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