Dir. Nicolas Philibert, 2002, France, 104min, DCP, Color
Starring Georges Lopez, Alizé
In French with English subtitles
Across France, there are enduring examples of “single-class schools,” which bring together all the children of a village—aged four through 12—in one room, taught by a single teacher. This 2002 documentary captures the daily struggles and triumphs within one of these institutions, located in a rural region of the Auvergne. The heartwarming film follows an eclectic group of thirteen children and their colorful leader Georges Lopez as he instructs in the art of cooking, writing, reading, math, and—most importantly—coexisting as equals.
2002 Cannes Film Festival
2002 New York Film Festival
Nominee, 2004 BAFTA Film Awards
Nominee Best Film, 2002 César Awards
“It demonstrates without overreaching what an actual teacher can do to shape lives.” –New York Magazine/Vulture
Trailer