Chocolat (2016)
The remarkable true story of Rafael Padilla, the first Black stage performer in France, and his legendary Belle Époque partnership with clown George Footit.
Chocolat - Movie Information
- Original Title: Chocolat
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Roschdy Zem
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 3, 2016 (Belgium - 12), October 8, 2016 (Canada), November 5, 2016 (United Kingdom), May 19, 2016 (Germany - 12), February 3, 2016 (France - U), June 29, 2017 (New Zealand), June 29, 2017 (Australia), July 21, 2016 (Brazil - 14), April 7, 2016 (Italy), April 29, 2016 (Spain), March 9, 2017 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: All Out (US), 小丑的眼淚 (TW), Monsieur Chocolat (NL), Pan Čokoláda (Česko)
- Production Companies: Gaumont, M6 Films, Mandarin Cinéma
- Production Countries: France
Chocolat - Plot
Chocolat the clown, the first black stage performer in France, goes from anonymity to fame after forming an unprecedented duo with fellow performer Footit in the very popular in Belle Epoque Paris. But easy money, gambling, and discrimination take their toll on their friendship and Chocolat's career.
Chocolat - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story of Chocolat unfold on screen:
The true story of the first black artist.
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Chocolat - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Roschdy Zem
Main Cast
- Omar Sy
- James Thierrée
- Clotilde Hesme
- Olivier Gourmet
- Frédéric Pierrot
- Noémie Lvovsky
- Alice de Lencquesaing
- Alex Descas
- Olivier Rabourdin
- Thibault de Montalembert
Writers
- Cyril Gely
Producers
- Eric Altmayer
- Nicolas Altmayer
Chocolat - FAQs
Who was the real Chocolat the clown?
Chocolat was the stage name of Rafael Padilla, a Cuban-born man who became the first Black stage performer to achieve widespread fame in France. During the Belle Époque, he and his partner George Footit packed Paris's most celebrated circus venues, making history in French entertainment.
What is the film Chocolat about?
Chocolat follows Rafael Padilla, a Black performer who rises from obscurity to stardom in Belle Époque Paris after teaming up with clown George Footit. Their act becomes a sensation, but gambling, racial discrimination, and personal tensions gradually erode both their friendship and Chocolat's hard-won career.
Where can you stream Chocolat (2016)?
You can watch Chocolat on Kanopy for free, or catch it on The Roku Channel with ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. France Channel Amazon Channel offers it as part of a subscription.
Is Chocolat based on a true story?
Yes, Chocolat is rooted in real history. Rafael Padilla — known as Chocolat — was a genuine trailblazer who performed alongside George Footit in late 19th-century Paris. The film draws on historical records and the book by Gérard Noiriel to bring this largely forgotten story back to life.
Who stars in Chocolat alongside Omar Sy?
Omar Sy leads the film as Rafael Padilla, with James Thierrée delivering a standout performance as his clown partner George Footit. The supporting cast includes Clotilde Hesme, Olivier Gourmet, Frédéric Pierrot, Noémie Lvovsky, Alex Descas, and Olivier Rabourdin, among others.
How was Chocolat received by critics?
Critics praised Chocolat warmly, particularly highlighting Omar Sy's charismatic and emotionally layered performance as Padilla. Reviewers appreciated the film's rich period atmosphere and its willingness to confront the racial prejudice Chocolat faced, even as it celebrated his remarkable rise to fame in Belle Époque France.
Who directed Chocolat and what is his background?
Chocolat was directed by Roschdy Zem, a French actor and filmmaker of Moroccan descent. Best known as an actor in films like Days of Glory and Outside the Law, Zem brought a personal sensitivity to this story of racial identity and artistic ambition in turn-of-the-century France.
Did Chocolat win any awards or nominations?
Chocolat earned several César Award nominations, France's most prestigious film honors, including recognition for Omar Sy's lead performance. The film was also celebrated at various French film festivals, cementing its status as one of the more notable French biographical dramas of 2016.
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