Warner Music Group has announced a new biopic titled Edith, which will celebrate the life of the legendary French singer Edith Piaf. The 90-minute feature will use artificial intelligence (AI) to narrate Piaf’s story in her own voice and showcase AI-generated images of her. The film, made in collaboration with Piaf’s estate, aims to uncover unknown aspects of her life.

In a statement, Warner Music Group said: “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 AI technology used in Edith replicates Piaf’s voice and image after extensive training. This approach is aimed at preserving the authenticity of her voice and image, providing a modern take on her life through animation. The film will also incorporate archival footage, stage and TV performances, personal recordings, and interviews, offering a comprehensive view of Piaf’s significant moments.

The project, conceived by Julie Veille and Gilles Marliac, strives to bring Piaf’s story into the 21st century.

“It has been the greatest privilege to work alongside Edith’s estate to help bring her story into the 21st century. 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?’” said Julie Veille of the project. “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,” she continued. “Our goal is to utilize the latest advancements in animation and technology to bring the timeless story to audiences of all ages.”

Veille emphasizes the film’s goal of using animation and technological advancements to make the timeless story accessible to audiences of all ages. The AI-driven approach raises intriguing questions about the future of filmmaking, as it promises a visually and emotionally immersive experience. Edith is positioned to offer a unique cinematic tribute to one of France’s greatest artists, inviting audiences to witness the fusion of technology and storytelling in the portrayal of a musical icon.

According to Alain Veille, President of Warner Music France, it is crucial to strike a balance between new technology and heritage artists.

“Edith is one of France’s greatest ever artists and she is still a source of so much pride to the French people. It is such a delicate balancing act when combining new technology with heritage artists, and it was imperative to us that we worked closely with Edith’s estate and handled this project with the utmost respect,” he said.

It is worth noting that a live-action biopic of the famed French singer called La Vie en Rose was made in 2007, named after the singer’s most famous song, which drew rave reviews and ultimately resulted in an Oscar for lead Marion Cotillard, launching her career.

Featured image: Credit: Studio Harcourt, Wikipedia