7:00 pm Thursday March 8th
“It’s an inspiring character study that earns every one of
MONSIEUR LAZHAR Canada Directed by Philippe Falardeau In French with English subtitles Comedy/ Drama 94 minutes Rated PG: coarse language; theme of suicide
This film will be preceded by Fred & Ginger (12:32) directed by Rob Wenzek (The Art Institute of Vancouver)
its heart-warming moments the hard way – through insight, empathy, and eloquence.” – Calgary International Film Festival “[A] universal ode to the power of teaching and human compassion, told in an unfettered way by first-rate actors.” – Michael-Oliver Harding, Nightlife Magazine Thank you for your support:
ASSOCIATION O FRANCOPHONE
10
DE KAMLOOPS
A teacher and his students learn from one another in the wake of a tragedy in this comedy/drama from Canadian director Philippe Falardeau. The film begins when a pair of grade school students, Simon (Emilien Neron) and Alice (Sophie Nelisse), make a shocking discovery. They witness their teacher taking her own life in their classroom. The school’s overworked principal (Danielle Proulx) wants things back to normal as soon as possible, and when substitute teacher Lazhar (Fellag) drops off his resume after learning of the tragedy, he’s hired almost on the spot. Bachir Lazhar is a middle-aged Algerian immigrant seeking political refuge in Quebec. He jumps at the opportunity to help, and the principal is initially relieved since Bachir has nineteen years experience as a grade school teacher in Algeria.
professional distance. And all along, nobody is aware of Bachir’s painful former life; nor that he is at risk of being deported at any moment.
The children don’t immediately take to Lazhar, as most have never had a male teacher before, and Lazhar has his own adjustments to deal with –– he’s an immigrant who’s new to Montreal, he’s still learning the finer points of Quebecoise French, and his teaching style differs from that of his new colleagues. He finds he has to deal with a 10-year-old boy who has been traumatized by his discovery of the teacher’s body, and a girl whose interpretation of the event and resentment toward her friend provoke unforeseen revelations.
2012 nominee Best Achievement in Cinematography Ronald Plante, Best Achievement in Direction - Philippe Falardeau, Best Achievement in Editing - Stéphane Lafleur, Best Achievement in Music (Original Score) - Martin Léon, Best Achievement in Overall Sound, Best Motion Picture, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - Mohamed Fellag, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Sophie Nélisse & Best Screenplay (Adapted) - Philippe Falardeau Genie Awards
As Lazhar tries to guide Simon, Alice and their classmates through the shock of what has happened and their inevitably long healing process, he also finds the experience helps him heal after struggling with a loss of his own. He begins to care for his students, hoping to prepare them for the future, but runs into opposition from parents who want him to maintain a
2011 winner Best Screenplay - Philippe Falardeau & FIPRESCI Prize Best Film - Philippe Falardeau Valladolid International Film Festival
Adapted from Evelyne de la Cheneliere’s play, Monsieur Lazhar depicts the encounter between two distant worlds and the power of self-expression. Using great sensitivity and humor, Philippe Falardeau follows a humble man who is ready to transcend his own loss in order to accompany children beyond the silence and taboo of death. Awards
2012 nominee Best Foreign Language Film Academy Awards