James Baldwin: Escape from America, Exile in Provence

The life and influence of Jimmy in Saint-Paul de Vence.

Composed of more than 70 interviews with some of the many people who encountered James Baldwin in the last 17 years of his life, this revealing retrospective provides an intimate look into one of America’s greatest literary figures. Baldwin escaped from the racism and hatred in America to find solace and self-exile in Saint-Paul de Vence. In his time there, Baldwin became a beloved neighbor and friend to the locals of the village and hosted many guests from around the world in his grand bastide. Legendary celebrities, such as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Bill Wyman, and others, tell their personal reminisces and stories about Baldwin.