Movies - A Magnificent Life: SCH Signs the Title Song of the Animated Biopic Event

By Mulder, 07 may 2025

The talent of SCH knows no bounds. As the iconic French rap artist continues to cement his legacy with his JVLIVS trilogy, he now takes on a new artistic challenge by signing the title song for the animated film A Magnificent Life, directed by the acclaimed Sylvain Chomet. This marks the first time in his career that SCH ventures into film soundtracks, and not just any film: an animated biopic dedicated to one of France's greatest storytellers, Marcel Pagnol. This unprecedented collaboration between the Marseille-born rapper and the multi-award-winning filmmaker is more than just a publicity stunt; it’s the meeting of two worlds, merging SCH’s poetic and raw rap with Pagnol’s timeless and tender prose.

When approached for this project, SCH did not hesitate. Originally from Aubagne, a town deeply connected to Marcel Pagnol, the artist spent much of his childhood immersed in the stories and films of the legendary writer and filmmaker. For SCH, this tribute is a way to come full circle, giving back to Pagnol what he had provided in terms of cultural inspiration and identity. "It’s an honor for me, a Marseillais who spent most of my childhood and youth in Aubagne, to be part of the story of Mr. Pagnol," SCH shared with emotion. Through this song, SCH aims to capture the essence of Provence, bridging past and present, popular culture and literary heritage.

This project could not have come to life without the artistic vision of Sylvain Chomet. Known for his unique and poetic works like The Triplets of Belleville, the director this time tackles the figure of Marcel Pagnol, whose legacy is deeply rooted in Provençal and French culture. To do justice to this moving story, the film’s score was entrusted to Stefano Bollani, a renowned Italian composer who skillfully blends a symphonic orchestra with touches of jazz and folk, creating a soundtrack that is as eclectic as it is touching. SCH, with his gritty voice and urban poetry, adds a contemporary touch to this sonic mosaic, promising to resonate with younger generations.

The world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17 is highly anticipated, both to discover this new side of SCH and to dive into the visual and narrative universe crafted by Chomet. The union of these talents promises a unique cinematic moment, where Pagnol’s spirit intertwines with the modern rhythms of a rapper in search of authenticity. The event is all the more eagerly awaited as the film will also be featured in the official selection of the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, once again proving that French animation dares to explore bold artistic territories.

SCH’s career, already marked by success and accolades, takes an unexpected turn here. After dominating the charts with JVLIVS II and JVLIVS III, the rapper embarks on a cinematic adventure that could expand his audience even further. For those who have followed him from the start, this foray into Pagnol’s world is not entirely surprising: SCH has always proudly claimed his Marseille roots and a deep attachment to his culture. Perhaps this is what makes this collaboration so natural and promising, like an obvious connection between two Provençal souls.

With the film’s French release scheduled for October 15, 2025, excitement around this artistic encounter continues to grow. Featuring voice talents such as Laurent Lafitte, Géraldine Pailhas, and Vincent Fernandel, the vocal cast also promises to bring the necessary authenticity to this moving story. Marcel Pagnol, a writer, director, and master storyteller, comes to life once again through a feature film that pays tribute to him by exploring his childhood memories and his first artistic passions. For Sylvain Chomet, making young Marcel interact with the man he became allows for a dialogue between eras, questioning how culture is passed down through generations.

By blending SCH’s lyricism with Chomet’s visuals, A Magnificent Life already seems poised to be one of the standout films of 2025. Audiences will not only have the chance to rediscover Pagnol’s universe from a fresh perspective but also to experience a soundtrack that promises to be both powerful and poetic. In this fusion of contemporary rap and literary memory, the entire Provençal heritage is celebrated, serving as a vibrant tribute to the roots and stories that shape the soul of a region.

Synopsis :
At the height of his fame, Marcel Pagnol received a commission from the editor-in-chief of a major women's magazine to write a literary serial in which he could recount his childhood, his Provence, his first loves... As he wrote the first few pages, the child he once was, little Marcel, suddenly appeared before him. His memories came flooding back with every word: the arrival of talking movies, the first big movie studio, his attachment to the actors, his experience of writing. The greatest storyteller of all time became the hero of his own story.

A Magnificent Life
Written and directed by Sylvain Chomet
Produced by Ashargin Poiré, Valérie Puech, Aton Soumache, Lilian Eche, Jean-Yves Patay, Eric Goossens, Eric Goossens
Starring Laurent Lafitte, Géraldine Pailhas, Thierry Garcia, Matthew Gravelle, Flora Montgomery, Lu Corfield, Shane Attwooll, Sophie Maréchal, Olivia Gotanegre 
Music by Stefano Bollani
Cinematography : Elric Lefeuvre
Edited by Samuel Denou, Mario Houles, Julie Salon
Production companies : Mediawan Kids and Family, Walking The Dog, Bidibul Productions, What The Prod
Distributed by Wild Bunch Distribution (France), Sony Pictures Classics (United States)
Release date : May 2025 (Cannes), October 15, 2025 (France)
Running time : 90 minutes