Legendary French singer Édith Piaf will be the subject of a new biopic, with Warner Music Group announcing that it would using AI to recreate the singer’s voice and image for the film.
In an announcement on Tuesday, Warner Music Group revealed that it has partnered with the estate of piaf to develop Edith, a 90-minute film that will be set in Paris and New York from the 1920s to the 1960s and tell the story of the iconic artist while also looking to “uncover aspects of her life that were previously unknown.”
Most notably, Warner Music Group said that the film will be narrated by an AI-generated version of Piaf, which will use her likeness and voice to delve into her life.
“Animation will provide a modern take on her story, while the inclusion of archival footage, stage and TV performances, personal footage and TV interviews will provide audiences with an authentic look at the significant moments of Piaf’s life,” the music company said in a statement announcing the project (via Variety).
Piaf is widely seen as one of France’s greatest singers
The film will be based on an original idea from writer and director Julie Veille and will be written by both Veille and Gilles Marliac. In a statement, Veille called the chance to make the film a great privilege.
“It has been the greatest privilege to work alongside Edith’s estate to help bring her story into the 21st century,” Veille said in a statement. “When creating the film, we kept asking ourselves, ‘If Edith were still with us, what messages would she want to convey to the younger generations?’ Her story is one of incredible resilience, of overcoming struggles, and defying social norms to achieve greatness — and one that is as relevant now as it was then. Our goal is to utilize the latest advancements in animation and technology to bring the timeless story to audiences of all ages.”
Born in 1915, Piaf was a singer best known for performing songs in the cabaret and modern chanson genres. The artist is often cited as one of the most popular French singers and performers in the 20th century. Perhaps her most famous song, “La Vie en rose,” has been covered extensively, including versions in the United States by Tony Martin, Paul Weston, Bing Crosby, and more.
