Monsieur Lazhar [2011] | Film Screening & Discussion

The West Windsor Arts Council invites you to participate in its annual Saturday FILM Series and Discussion, held on the second Saturday of the month, October to May [excluding December.]

Monsieur Lazhar [2011]. Canada/Quebec. French

Director: Phillippe Falandeau.

Comedy/Drama

Rated: PG-13

Speaker: Dr. Mary Paoteau-Tralie, Professor of Film & Media Studies Program, Rider University. Specialist in French Culture Through Films

TICKETS: $8/$7 Members

Adapted from a one-character play, "Bashir Lazhar," by Évelyne de la Chenelière, this Canadian French-language drama was an Oscar Nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. "Monsieur Lazhar" is a compelling tale about the relationship between a teacher and his students and the multiple factors outside the classroom that can color this dynamic. Bashir Lazhar, a 55-year-old Algerian immigrant, is hired by a Montreal middle school to replace a beloved teacher who committed suicide. The substantial cultural gap between Lazhar and his new class is immediately apparent, although slowly Lazhar starts to connect with this motley but endearing group of students. Yet, nobody in the school is aware of Lazhar’s painful past; nor do they suspect that his own place in the world is in jeopardy. As he helps the children heal, he also learns to accept his own difficult losses. This moving film features exquisite performances and a stunning ensemble of child actors.

Dr. Mary Poteau-Tralie is a Professor of French in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at Rider University, where she served as Chair from 2008-2012. In addition to French language courses at all levels, Dr. Poteau-Tralie teaches various advanced level courses, including French Culture through Film and The Supernatural and Horror in French Film and Fiction. She is the organizer of a workshop entitled, "Using Film in the Classroom: Making it Matter," and has served on panels and roundtable discussions during Rider’s spring Film and Media Studies Symposia.