A film that will transport you from the gritty, high-rise “Banlieues” of outer Paris to the gilded splendour of the Opéra Garnier – a dissection of genres in a world where opera meets rap in musical marvel – TENOR. Antoine (Mohammed Belkhir, playing under his rap name MB14) is doing it tough, barely making a living working as a food delivery driver by day, trying to make his way to the big time as a rap artist by night.
While delivering food, Antoine stumbles into a rehearsal room at the Opéra Garnier, instantly enchanted by the beautiful sound of a young soprano, he listens. As the privileged students attempt to belittle Antoine, he replies with a burst of song in his striking tenor voice catching the ear of Madame Loysau (Michèle Laroque, In Your Arms, AF FFF10) who offers Antoine the opportunity of a lifetime, to study under her tutelage. Antoine must now choose between his two loves - Opera and Rap, a choice which he knows his community may not support.
An unlikely pairing, both MB14 and Michèle Laroque deliver a hilarious, uplifting performance as the duo work to navigate classical Opera and Tupac’s Greatest Hits together. A story where opposites attract, Antoine and Mrs Loyseau are able to find common ground in the joy of expression, looking past labels and prejudice to create beautiful music.
"An uplifting journey."
- VARIETY
Tuesday 7th March
101 min
MA15+
Michèle Laroque, Guillaume Duhesme, Mohammed Belkhir, Stéphane Debac, Maéva El Aroussi
Claude Junior Zidi
Film Festival
French with English subtitles
Palace Balwyn Cinema