![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p09b88cp.jpg)
Paloma Faith: As I Am
Documentary with exclusive access to pop star, actor and first-time mum Paloma Faith as she navigates a world tour in the cut-throat world of the music industry.
Paloma Faith has sold well over a million albums with number ones all over the world, headlined Glastonbury and sung to tens of thousands every week, but now she has taken on her toughest challenge yet - having a baby.
With unlimited access to Paloma as a woman, a mother and an international pop star, this film follows her on an emotional journey as she balances the demands of a vital make-or-break tour with writing a new album, launching an acting career and being a first-time mum.Â
The film observes Paloma’s life both front and backstage in the midst of this pivotal year for her career. We see her struggling with choices every mum will be familiar with, whilst embarking on enormous career challenges in a cut-throat business. Paloma not only returns to work after having her baby, but also to huge expectations to break Australia and America.
A familiar presence on the London underground circuit for several years, Paloma Faith eventually broke into the mainstream thanks to her ultra-flamboyant theatrical style and retro-soul sound. Born in Hackney to a Spanish father and English mother, at the age of 18 she made her debut on the cabaret scene, singing in a covers band called Paloma and the Penetrators, before performing as a magician’s assistant and appearing in a burlesque troupe. After turning down an opportunity to join Amy Winehouse’s band, she began writing and performing her own songs, and soon earned a reputation as one of London’s most exciting and flamboyant live acts.
She hit the big time in 2009 after releasing her first album, which reached number two in the UK and went platinum within weeks of release. Since then, she has sold well over a million records, with three more albums released, each of which went double platinum and reached number one in the album charts. She is a household name in Britain, having been a judge on The Voice and having had roles in numerous television series and films. Now, after returning to work following the birth, she will star as the villain in a new Batman TV series, write and launch her fifth album, and, she hopes, crack America – all while being a working mum.
The film sees Paloma pitted against a music industry that does not always look to kindly on motherhood, and with Paloma’s unrelenting ambition, the question the film asks is 'Can a woman have it all?' In seeing Paloma’s attempts to achieve this very goal, the film raises fundamental questions about women today and the sacrifices they have to make.
Last on
Clips
-
"The music industry doesn't really allow for babies"
Duration: 01:14
-
Balancing motherhood with a demanding tour
Duration: 00:41
Music Played
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
-
00:02
Paloma Faith
Till I'm Done
-
00:08
Paloma Faith
Changing
-
00:09
Paloma Faith
The Architect
-
00:16
Paloma Faith
Stone Cold Sober
-
00:16
Paloma Faith
Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?
-
00:20
Paloma Faith
Only Love Can Hurt Like This
-
00:26
Ella Fitzgerald
Night and Day
-
00:27
Paloma Faith
Just Be
-
00:27
Paloma Faith
Just Be
-
00:28
Paloma Faith
Never Tear Us Apart
-
00:31
Paloma Faith
Guilty
-
00:32
Paloma Faith
Warrior
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Featured Artist | Paloma Faith |
Musician | Baby Sol |
Musician | B.B. Bones |
Musician | Peter Daley |
Musician | Andy Goldsworthy |
Musician | Sam Lewis |
Director | Jane Mingay |
Editor | Nick J Webb |
Producer | Andy Glynne |
Production Company | Mosaic Films Ltd |
Broadcasts
- Sat 27 Mar 2021 21:00±«Óãtv Two except Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD
- Sat 27 Mar 2021 21:30±«Óãtv Two Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Tue 13 Apr 2021 01:25
- Sun 17 Oct 2021 00:10
Featured in...
Arts Best of 2021
Great performances and fascinating stories from the world of art and culture.
Women in Music: National Album Day
Celebration of highly decorated and inspirational women in music.
Music
Showcasing the best music content from ±«Óãtv Two