Summary
In the vibrant documentary series “DJ Mehdi. Made in France,” directed by Thibaut de Longeville, audiences are invited to delve into the effervescent world of French rap and electro music. Winning the Best Documentary Series Award at Canneseries, the film paints a nuanced portrait of Mehdi Faveris-Essadi, affectionately known as DJ Mehdi, who was not only a musical pioneer but also de Longeville’s closest friend. The series opens with a personal note—Thibaut shares a glimpse of their deep friendship, reminiscing about long conversations sparked by a shared love for films like Wim Wenders’ “Buena Vista Social Club” and Catherine Hardwicke’s “Lords of Dogtown.” With sensitivity, de Longeville navigates the delicate balance between homage and objectivity, steering clear of a narrative that might drown in sentimentalism. He aims for pivotal moments that showcase DJ Mehdi’s influential contributions to culture both in France and beyond, independent of his personal feelings. The storytelling is grounded not in external commentary from critics or academics, but in heartfelt reflections from those closest to Mehdi—his family, friends, and fellow artists. Kery James, a close friend from the Mafia K’1 Fry crew, poignantly articulates how spending time with Mehdi allowed him to break free from societal expectations and simply be himself. Utilizing his own cache of archives—the spark igniting de Longeville’s creative endeavor—he weaves together a tapestry of live footage, personal recordings, and intimate moments that encapsulate Mehdi’s journey, from films showcasing his legendary concert moments at Elysée Montmartre to raw studio sessions leading up to his solo album, “(The Story of) Espion.” This six-episode series skillfully traces the pulse of two dynamic music scenes that intertwined in a whirlwind of creativity, where countless eager souls, just like DJ Mehdi, sought their niche. Moreover, one of the documentary’s triumphs lies in circumventing the often tedious nature of studio recording sequences that plague many musical films. Instead, it offers an engaging exploration that makes creating rap and electronic music feel alive and thrilling, rather than a monotonous chore. As viewers journey through this vibrant narrative, they witness not just the strokes of genius but the grit and grind behind the artistic curtain, feeling, with every beat and lyric, the electric spirit of DJ Mehdi and his indelible impact on music.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
