“DJ Mehdi: Made in France” is a documentary on Arte.tv about Mehdi Faveris-Essadi (DJ Mehdi), a key French Touch figure who bridged French rap and electronic music. Directed by his childhood friend Thibaut de Longeville, it’s a moving tribute to an artist who died in 2011 at age 34.
The documentary “DJ Mehdi: Made in France,” available on Arte.tv, traces with emotion and intensity the life and career of Mehdi Faveris-Essadi, better known as DJ Mehdi. An iconic figure of the French Touch, he marked his era by brilliantly fusing the worlds of rap and electronic music. Directed by his childhood friend Thibaut de Longeville, the film is a genuine tribute to an extraordinary artist.
A unique journey through music
Born in Gennevilliers in 1977, DJ Mehdi quickly became a key figure of 1990s French rap. As a producer within the group Ideal J, he created standout tracks like “Le combat continue.” His talent for combining hard-hitting beats with committed lyrics led to collaborations with influential artists like 113, MC Solaar and Assassin.
But it was joining Ed Banger Records (founded by Pedro Winter (Busy P)) that marked his real artistic turning point. He moved into electronic music with disarming ease, producing tracks like “Signatune” and “Pocket Piano” that became scene classics. DJ Mehdi wasn’t just a musician but a bridge between genres, bringing very different audiences together around his music. From 1990s boom-bap rap to the chic, minimal electro of the 2000s, he always captured the essence of his era while adding his personal touch.
An intimate, poignant film
Director Thibaut de Longeville, a close friend, brings a deeply personal approach, immersing viewers in a narrative both intimate and universal. Rare archive footage, personal videos and concert excerpts reveal the man behind the artist, endearing, humble, passionate, and a relentless worker. Testimonies from loved ones and collaborators such as Pedro Winter, Kery James and A-Trak enrich the portrait; all agree Mehdi was a visionary, always ahead of the curve, but also generous and collective-minded. The emotion is palpable throughout, his successes contrasting with the pain of his sudden death in 2011, in a domestic accident at age 34.
A must-see
More than a musical biography, the film is a dive into the evolution of the French music scene from the 1990s to today. It highlights Mehdi’s central role in emerging musical trends, and his strong ties with artists of his generation, collaborations with Daft Punk, Cassius and Chromeo proof of his influence and credibility internationally. Praised at Canneseries 2024, it’s available on Arte.tv until July 31, 2027.
Key facts
- Documentary: “DJ Mehdi: Made in France,” on Arte.tv (until July 31, 2027)
- Director: Thibaut de Longeville (Mehdi’s childhood friend)
- DJ Mehdi (Mehdi Faveris-Essadi), born Gennevilliers 1977, died 2011 (age 34)
- Bridged French rap (Ideal J, 113, MC Solaar) and electro (Ed Banger Records)
- Key tracks: “Signatune,” “Pocket Piano”
