Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Festival: Once Upon My Mother

Philadelphia Premiere

Directed by Ken Scott
Based on the Book by Roland Perez
Narrative Feature | France and Canada | 2025 | 102 min | French with English Subtitles

Reception to Follow

In 1963, Esther gives birth to Roland, the youngest of a large family. Roland is born with a clubfoot that prevents him from standing. Against everyone’s advice, she promises her son that he will walk like everyone else and will have an extraordinary life. From that moment on, Esther would stop at nothing to keep that promise. Spanning decades of trials and life’s miracles, this film tells a true story, funny and moving, about an incredible destiny and the greatest love of all: a mother’s love for her child.

WINNER – Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature | San Diego International Jewish Film Festival 2026

WINNER – Favorite Film | Jewish Film Festival Network Awards 2026

WINNER – Audience Favorite | Jewish Film Festival Network Awards 2026

WINNER – Audience Award for Best Narrative | Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival 2026

WINNER – Audience Award for Best Feature | JFilm Festival Pittsburgh 2026

WINNER – Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature | Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2026

WINNER – Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature | Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2026

This event is presented by Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media: A Program of The Weitzman. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.