SJFF 2026 | ONCE UPON MY MOTHER: Opening Night Film + Festivities
Schedule
Sat, 14 Mar, 2026 at 08:15 pm
UTC-07:00Location
3801 East Mercer , Mercer Island, WA, United States, Washington 98040 | Mercer Island, WA
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Opening Night Film + Festivities: ONCE UPON MY MOTHER
In Person: Sat Mar 14 @ AMC Pacific Place
Doors 7:30 PM, Film 8:15 PM
This colorful and big-hearted megahit about a doting French Mizrahi immigrant mother’s fierce, unwavering love for her son and efforts to move mountains for him, swept up numerous Audience Awards (including at Palm Springs International Film Festival) and garnered lead actress Leïla Bekhti a Best Actress nomination.
Festivities: After the film, enjoy a Paris ‘60s DJ + Dessert Party. Grab a drink at the AMC bar.
About the Film: Ken Scott’s crowd-pleasing megahit opens with a Rudyard Kipling quote “God could not be everywhere, therefore he made mothers.” In early 1960s Paris, Roland, the sixth child of a family of Mizrahi Jews, is born with clubfoot. His mother, Esther, though devastated, devotes her life to searching for doctors who can ensure that Roland can walk without braces, overcome physical and social barriers and live life to the fullest. Even in adulthood, his mother’s unrelenting, unfettered love traverses each success and hardship in Roland’s life.
Based on Roland Perez’s autobiographical novel, “My Mother, God and Sylvie Vartan,” ONCE UPON MY MOTHER is a colorful, boisterous and big-hearted celebration of the role mothers play in the family and society.
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Where is it happening?
3801 East Mercer , Mercer Island, WA, United States, Washington 98040Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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