From the resistance to the rebirth of the Marseille city, from pétanque to politics, music-hall singer, newspaper salesman then big boss of the press, he has seen it all and known it all.
In tribute to Michel Montana, who died on February 14, 2022 at the age of 92, France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur offers you “Michel Montana, a story of Marseille”a documentary made in 2017, devoted to the life of this man, a figure of Marseille.
From resistance to the rebirth of Marseille, from pétanque to politics, he has seen and experienced it all. Born in Algeria into a modest family, he would in turn become a music-hall singer, a newspaper salesman and then a great honcho of the press. Close to the communists but also to the big bosses, politicians of all persuasions and show business stars. From the occupation to the Algerian war through the 80s, he is the witness and the actor of 50 years of life in Marseille.
It is also the story of a man who made a simple game of bowls the pride of an entire city: the Mondial La Marseillaise became under his leadership the biggest petanque competition in the world.
Michel Montana is told, but the film also gives voice to those who know him, many personalities such as Jean-Pierre Foucault, Charlotte Rampling, Jean-Claude Gaudin, Renaud Muselier or Claude Brasseur and Jean-Pierre Khalfon.
Small anecdotes and big stories paint a unique portrait of a man and his city. A heritage and lively film, which follows a truly extraordinary character.
“Michel Montana, a history of Marseilles”
A documentary by Lionel Boisseau in co-production France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur / Les productions du moment.
