Monsieur Lazhar
About the Film
Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, Monsieur Lazhar tells the poignant story of a Montreal middle school class shaken by the death of their well-liked teacher. Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), a 55-year-old Algerian immigrant, offers the school his services as a substitute teacher and is quickly hired. As he helps the children heal, he also learns to accept his own painful past. This moving film features exquisite performances by Fellag and a stunning ensemble of child actors.
Reactions
“In a class with the François Truffaut of "The 400 Blows" - Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
“A sharply intelligent, deeply sad, and not remotely sappy film about both teaching and collective grief.” - Dana Stevens, Slate
"3.5 Stars! Leaves you hopeful, and even exhilarated!" - Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald
“Like a dedicated teacher, this is a film that stays with you.” - Kyle Smith, New York Post
Awards
• Academy Award® Nominee 2012 – Best Foreign Language Film
• Winner! Toronto International Film Festival 2011 - Best Canadian Feature Film
• Winner! Locarno Film Festival 2011 – Prix Du Public Award
• Winner! Locarno Film Festival 2011 – Variety Piazza Grande Award
• Winner! Namur Film Festival 2011 – Special Jury Award *
• Winner! Hamburg Film Festival 2011 – Art Cinema Award
• Winner! Windsor International Film Festival 2011 - People's Choice Award
• Sundance Film Festival 2012 – Official Selection
Cast & Crew
Cast
Bachir Lazhar: Mohamed Fellag
Alice: Sophie Nelisse
Simon: Emilien Neron
Marie-Frederique: Marie-Eve Beauregard
Victor: Vincent Millard
Abdelmalek: Seddik Benslimane
Claire: Brigette Poupart
Ms. Vaillancourt: Danielle Proulx
Crew
Director: Philippe Falardeau
Writer: Philippe Falardeau
Producers: Luc Dery, Kim McCraw
Music: Martin Leon
Cinematograher: Ronald Plante
Editor: Stephane Lafleur
Casting: Emanuelle Beauregard-Champagne
Technical Info
Production Year: 2011Release Date: 04/13/12
Countries of Production: Canada
Languages: French
Running Time: 1h 34m
Screen Ratio: 2.35:1
Sound: Dolby Digital
Color: Color
Rating: PG-13
News & Press
Interviews
PBS News Hour: Conversation: Philippe Falardeau's 'Monsieur Lazhar' [Video]
Collider.com: Director Philippe Falardeau MONSIEUR LAZHAR Interview
New York Times: Working With Kids Isn’t as Hard as They Want You to Believe
The Moveable Feast: Philippe Falardeau on Finding "Monsieur Lazhar"
From the Blog
‘Monsieur Lazhar’ ranks #1 for upcoming DVD/Blu-Ray releases [8/31/2011]
Alec Horowitz: “‘Monsieur Lazhar’ is Wonderful” [6/7/12]
“Monsieur Lazhar” earns nomination for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar [2/1/12]
Theaters
Monsieur Lazhar - Press Page
Awards
• Academy Award® Nominee 2012 – Best Foreign Language Film
• Winner! Toronto International Film Festival 2011 - Best Canadian Feature Film
• Winner! Locarno Film Festival 2011 – Prix Du Public Award
• Winner! Locarno Film Festival 2011 – Variety Piazza Grande Award
• Winner! Namur Film Festival 2011 – Special Jury Award *
• Winner! Hamburg Film Festival 2011 – Art Cinema Award
• Winner! Windsor International Film Festival 2011 - People's Choice Award
• Sundance Film Festival 2012 – Official Selection
Reactions
“In a class with the François Truffaut of "The 400 Blows" - Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
“A sharply intelligent, deeply sad, and not remotely sappy film about both teaching and collective grief.” - Dana Stevens, Slate
"3.5 Stars! Leaves you hopeful, and even exhilarated!" - Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald
“Like a dedicated teacher, this is a film that stays with you.” - Kyle Smith, New York Post
Detailed Film Info
Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, Monsieur Lazhar tells the poignant story of a Montreal middle school class shaken by the death of their well-liked teacher. Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), a 55-year-old Algerian immigrant, offers the school his services as a substitute teacher and is quickly hired. As he helps the children heal, he also learns to accept his own painful past. This moving film features exquisite performances by Fellag and a stunning ensemble of child actors.Related Films
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Write-Ups
New Republic [5/11/12]
Philadelphia Inquirer [4/27/12]
Washington Post [4/27/12]
Minneapolis Star Tribune [4/26/12]
Chicago Sun-Times [4/26/12]
Boston Globe [4/19/12]
