Inspiring story of a kazakhstani folk hero
In the style of grand movie entertainment, Paris Song tells the true story of small-town singer Amre Kashaubayev’s journey from Soviet-ruled Kazakhstan to Paris to compete in an international singing competition at the 1925 Paris Expo. Unknown to most of the world, this shy performer with a remarkable talent steals the show every time he sets foot on the stage.
Unexpectedly embraced by the high-culture Paris elite, who receive him with rapturous applause, Amre forms a beautiful and unlikely friendship with American Jewish songwriters George Gershwin and Irving Berlin, and photographer Lee Abbott (Abbie Cornish).
This inspiring story of a Kazakhstani folk hero illuminates what it means to be an outsider and to struggle against a repressive Soviet regime — and is proof that determination and talent can overcome adversity.
Director
Jeff Vespa
Cast
Abbie Cornish, Ben Aldridge, Sanjar Madi
Filming locations
Kazakhstan, Latvia, USA
producers
Anna Chakirtova
Cassian Elwes
Cary Granat
Matthew Helderman
Akhat Ibraev
Ed Jones
Asset Kenzhebayev
Joel Michaely
Anila Nugmanova
Max Pavlov
Igor Pronin
Yulia Zaytseva
Greg Richling
Alidar Utemuratov
Jeff Vespa
awards and nominations
2018 – Hollywood film festival
Jeff Vespa – Global Grand Jury prize – Best Film – Winner
Jeff Vespa – Jury prize – Silver Screen Prize
2019 – Manchester International Films Festival – Best Production Design – Winner
2019 – Richmond International Film Festival
Jeff Vespa – Best of festival – Best Narrative Feature film – Winner
Sanjar Madi – Best Actor – Winner