Program Note

In 1943, during the German occupation of France, guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt delights Parisian audiences every night with his witty, life-affirming “gypsy swing” music. However, the Nazi propaganda machine demands that he tour Germany to counteract the influence of “negro music” from the USA. Django refuses.

With the help of one of his Parisian admirers, Django, his pregnant wife, and his mother hide out in a village near the Swiss border, where they meet other members of his extended family, all of whom are on the run. But when he attempts to cross Lake Geneva into Switzerland with his wife and mother, the Nazis are close behind.

Director Etienne Comar portrays an unconventional artist and free spirit, whose life, like his music, is full of improvisation. Faced with the question of whether or not to allow his art to be misused for political purposes, Django must make a decision of vital significance.

Director

• 
  • Etienne Comar
  • Etienne Comar graduated from the French National Film School and began his career as a production manager for works including Andrzej Żuławski's *Boris Godunov* and Maurice Pialat's *Van Gogh*. He went on to produce 15 films with Vendôme Films and Playtime before joining Archimède Films, where he produced and co-wrote films such as *Of Gods and Men* by Xavier Beauvois and *My King* by Maïwenn.