Synopsis

My Way is more than just a song. This iconic piece has transcended time, borders, and generations, covered by a wide range of artists such as Sid Vicious, Tom Jones, Nina Simone, and Pavarotti. However, few know that the song was first conceived on a summer afternoon in 1967 at Claude François's villa by the pool. Even fewer are aware of the string of serendipitous encounters and all-nighters that followed, leading up to the moment when the song had to cross the Atlantic to become a legend.

Program Note

Once a song meets the world, it no longer belongs solely to its creator—it becomes part of everyone. This film calmly traces the journey of a song that has transcended time, borders, and ideologies, from its very first meeting with the world to the present day. It begins with the creative story of French singer Claude François, and follows the efforts of Paul Anka and Frank Sinatra, who helped elevate the song’s fame. Later, it passed through the voices of Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Nina Simone, and Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols—eventually becoming not just a song, but a symbol. One person’s story becomes yours, and eventually, it becomes ours. (Kim Yoon-ha)

Director

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  • Thierry Teston
  • Thierry Teston is a French director who began his career directing music videos and later produced documentaries such as La Cité de la Danse (2012) and Mamour Adore la Danse (2014). He co-directed My Way (2024) with Lisa Azuelos, which was screened in the Cinéma de la Plage section at the Cannes Film Festival.

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  • Lisa Azuelos
  • Lisa Azuelos is known for her works focused on women's issues, including the film August 15th (2001) about forced marriage. After the #MeToo movement, she produced a documentary (2018) addressing school violence. She has co-directed more than 15 films, including My Way (2024).