Competition 2024 France 109 min language: French subtitles: English

Once Upon a Time Michel Legrand / Il était une fois Michel Legrand

A tribute to France’s greatest film composer, this documentary blends rare Super 8 footage and stirring performances to trace Legrand’s extraordinary journey as a pianist, jazz artist, conductor, singer, and composer, honoured with 2 Palmes d’Or, 3 Oscars, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, 5 Grammys, and many more.

Using exclusive personal archives captured in super 8 format, the film takes us through the last two years of his life, revealing public moments during major events in cities like Paris, Moscow, Lodz, and others. It also shows intimate moments with his collaborators, friends, and his wife, as well as solitary moments dedicated to his writing.