Sylvie Vartan had indeed said goodbye to the stage. After her final concerts, the singer turned to a more discreet life. However, the artist is about to reappear, this time in cinema. On March 19, the film My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan will be released, adapted from the autobiographical book by lawyer Roland Perez and directed by Canadian filmmaker Ken Scott. Inspired by a true story, this feature film tells the moving journey of a disabled child. Moreover, it is filled with hope thanks to the songs of the French icon.
A film inspired by the life of Roland Perez
This project tells the life of the media lawyer Roland Perez, a close friend of Sylvie Vartan. Born with a clubfoot, doctors predicted he would never walk normally. However, his mother refused this medical verdict. Thus, between fervent prayers and comforting songs, she made Sylvie Vartan an unexpected ally. Each song became for her a promise, an encouragement to never give up.
It is actor Jonathan Cohen who portrays Roland Perez on screen. Alongside him, Leïla Bekhti plays Esther, the combative and determined mother. Their performances particularly moved Sylvie Vartan, who discovered the film’s script with emotion. “It’s an ode to life and hope,” she recently declared to Télé 7 Jours.
Unusual encounter on the set of "Quotidien"
This unexpected return of Sylvie Vartan to cinema was at the heart of her notable appearance on the show Quotidien. Moreover, this show is hosted by Yann Barthès, on March 12. Invited on set alongside Leïla Bekhti, the singer humorously shared a memorable anecdote from the filming. Indeed, when she first met Leïla Bekhti, made up and transformed into an elderly woman to play Esther at 85 years old, she simply did not recognize her.
"I discover her on set, and it was very curious… She was 85 years old!" explained Sylvie Vartan laughing in front of an amused Yann Barthès. Surprised by this unexpected appearance, the singer spontaneously stood up. She wanted to greet this unknown elderly lady with respect. "I say hello to everyone. I see a lady stand up, so out of respect: I say ‘Hello madam’." This reaction created a comical moment that surprised Leïla Bekhti, who had come to warmly greet the singer.
Amused by this misunderstanding, the actress herself had forgotten her appearance transformed by the very realistic makeup. "I went to kiss her thinking it would be more warm… but she didn’t recognize me!" she recounted laughing on the set of Quotidien, provoking laughter from the audience and the host.
A mutual artistic admiration
Beyond this surprising start, Sylvie Vartan was very impressed by Leïla Bekhti‘s talent. She did not fail to highlight her remarkable performance in the film: “She is absolutely extraordinary. She spans the ages, from youth to old age, with great intensity.” For the singer, this film is a true consecration for the actress.
For her part, Leïla Bekhti expressed her sincere admiration for Sylvie Vartan. “Sylvie is a musical and style icon! It was incredible to be by her side.” Present at the star’s farewell concert, she was deeply touched by the public’s love for the singer.
A final concert in Japan
While Sylvie Vartan has left the French stage, she has not definitively closed the door on her musical career. Thus, a final concert is planned in Japan. It is a country where she remains immensely popular. She announced: "I plan to go sing there to say goodbye to my Japanese audience".
Moreover, her last show will be recorded on video, scheduled for an upcoming broadcast. Sylvie Vartan proves her artistic vitality through her notable return to cinema, her international musical projects. Moreover, she demonstrates it through her warm media appearances. Indeed, her flame remains very much alive.
