Once Upon My Mother

Highsmith Student Union | UNC Asheville

Highsmith Student Union | UNC Asheville

Once Upon My Mother is the story of Esther and her family. In 1963, Esther gave birth to Roland, the youngest sibling of a large Moroccan Jewish family that had emigrated to Paris. Roland was born with a clubfoot that prevented him from standing. Against everyone's advice, she promised her son that he would be able to walk just like everyone else and have a wonderful life. From that moment on, Esther devoted herself fully to ensuring this promise came true. Spanning decades of hardships and miracles, this film is the story of an incredible destiny and the greatest love of all: a mother's love for her child. Directed by Ken Scott. Click here to watch the trailer.

Genre

Dramedy

Country

France/Canada

Year

2025

Language

French (with English subtitles)

Length

1 hour 42 minutes

Price

$18 Advance Ticket
$20 Door Ticket
$10 Student Ticket

$36 Advance Ticket + Reception

$28 Student Ticket + Reception

Festival packages available; click here to learn more

Purchase a festival package to secure your tickets early and save!

Individual Screening

$18 Advance | $20 Door | $10 Student Ticket

Three-Film Package

$50 (save up to $10)

$60 (save up to $20)

$75 (save up to $25) | $58 Student Ticket

Parking


Parking


Free parking is nearby and complimentary shuttle service is available for those needing assistance. Ticket holders will receive detailed information with their ticket purchase.

Security


Security


The Asheville Jewish Film Festival will have appropriate security present to create a safe space that is both open and attentive to everyone’s well-being. Patrons may be asked to pass through a security check before entering venues, which may include a weapons detector, and bags may be searched at the door. 

a boy clinging to his mother both in 1960s attire

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a boy clinging to his mother both in 1960s attire

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a boy clinging to his mother both in 1960s attire

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The 2026 Asheville Jewish Film Festival brings four award-winning premieres to UNC Asheville, plus an Opening Night reception and post-film conversations with special guests. Come for the films, stay for the conversation.

Films

Click on each title to learn more

October 10 + 11

October 17 + 18

October 24 + 25

November 7 + 8

Asheville Jewish
Film Festival

The 2026 Asheville Jewish Film Festival brings four award-winning premieres to UNC Asheville, plus an Opening Night reception and post-film conversations with special guests. Come for the films, stay for the conversation.

Films

Click on each title to learn more

October 10 + 11

October 17 + 18

October 24 + 25

November 7 + 8

Center for Jewish Studies at UNC Asheville © 2025 | Website by Helle Creative | Privacy Policy

Asheville Jewish
Film Festival

The 2026 Asheville Jewish Film Festival brings four award-winning premieres to UNC Asheville, plus an Opening Night reception and post-film conversations with special guests. Come for the films, stay for the conversation.

Films

Click on each title to learn more

Center for Jewish Studies at UNC Asheville © 2025 | Website by Helle Creative | Privacy Policy