FFF23 Tenor

Synopsis

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.

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