Monsieur Lazhar
(2011)
Director:
Philippe Falardeau
Writer:
Evelyne de la Chenelière, Philippe Falardeau
Cast:
Mohamed Fellag, Émilien Néron, Danielle Proulx
During a harsh Montréal winter, an elementary-school class is left reeling after its teacher commits suicide. Bachir Lazhar, a charismatic Algerian immigrant, steps in as the substitute teacher for the classroom of traumatized children. All the while, he must keep his personal life tucked away: the fact that he is seeking political refuge in Québec – and that he, like the children, has suffered an appalling loss.