Playtime has joined the Charles Aznavoir biopic, MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR, starring Tahar Rahim.
Playtime, a Paris-based hybrid international distribution, venture investment, and production company, will host a kick-off luncheon event for the film at the Cannes Film Market on May 18 for international distributors at the Five Seas Hotel. The luncheon will include the actor, producers, and directors. The film is one of the biggest and most anticipated films on the market this year.
MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR is budgeted at €26 million ($28 million) and will start principal photography on May 30. Pathé has French rights and will give the film a wide release in theaters.
Tahar Rahim is said to be highly committed to the part and has been preparing for months. The film will chart Charles Aznavour’s sprawling life journey, from his poor childhood to his rise to fame, from his triumphs to his failures, from Paris to New York.
Producer Jean-Rachid Kallouche, who is married to Katia Aznavour, daughter of Charles Aznavour, says the late singer gave him his blessing to produce his biopic before his passing in 2018, and that it was his idea to have the film focus on the first part of his life— "from zero to fame."
MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR is expected to have first-class production value with a strong key crew including cinematographer Brecht Goyvaerts (PARIS POLICE 1900), production designer Stéphane Rozenbaum (MASCARADE), costume designer Isabelle Mathieu (MY DONKEY, MY LOVER AND I), editor Laure Gardette (NOVEMBER, THE CRIME IS MINE), and music supervisor Varda Kakon (LOST ILLUSIONS).
