Paris Song

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 will be in attendance to introduce the film and participate in an extended conversation afterward.