(Le Clown Chocolat)

Content: In the early 20th century, one of the biggest stars of the Parisian stage was a Black artist who has since been forgotten: the clown Chocolat. This film by Samia Chala and Thierry Leclère tells the extraordinary story of this former Cuban slave who captivated the Lumière brothers, inspired the painter Toulouse-Lautrec, and later influenced writers such as Jean Cocteau. The meteoric rise of Chocolat—who was physically struck and mocked on stage by the "white clown" Footit—reflects the French public's discovery of the "Black man" during the era of colonial exhibitions and the Third Republic. It is a story that still resonates today. Drawing on exceptional archival footage, Chocolat’s epic life story is recounted by historian Gérard Noiriel and actor Marcel Bozonnet, both of whom brought the clown back to life on stage.

Countries:

Genres:

Documentary

Runtime:

50 minutes

Year:

2013

Directors:

Samia Chala

Production companies:

Walter Films,

CNC,

PROCIREP,

Angoa-Agicoa

Actors:

Self

Self - Chocolat

Self

Crews:

Director

Writer

Writer

Director

Sound