Leaving France

A 90-year-old French Immigrant to the United States shows her experience growing up through a challenging childhood. Through adversity and a World War, she perseveres to start a new life in the United States.

  • Adam Paray
    Director
  • Esther
    Key Cast
  • Adam Paray
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Expository Documentary
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 16, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, French
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Adam Paray

I love embracing challenges. Each film comes with its unique set of circumstances that help us grow as storytellers. It's my mission to create films that entertain and inspire curiosity.

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Director Statement

This is a micro-budget solo crew film. I grew up not knowing very much at all about Esther. She lived in Europe, then moved to the United States in her early 20s. It felt like why these things happened was concealed from me for most of my life. I was too young and naive to think about asking anyone. My curiosity sparked when she needed to move from her latest home. I listened to how attached she was to this house and the belongings that she had to let go of. She taught me that the personal connection we have to these objects is what matters. Her dreams of attending college and becoming a psychologist had left her grasp unwillingly. She remained persistent through adversity for the benefit of the people she loved. I aim to display a high degree of tranquility in her present life. There is a substantial amount of observation present in this film. "Leaving France" intends to have a social impact delving into our common humanity. She wants her story to be mine to tell now. I am passionate about this story for its ability to convey how life loses its intrinsic value the moment you give up your persistence. Further, life is a culmination of lived experiences, and attempting to erase that is removing what develops tenacity.