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.

Director(s): Philippe Falardeau

Producer(s): Luc Déry, Kim McCraw

Screenwriter(s): Philippe Falardeau, based on the stage play by Evelyne de la Chenelière

Cinematographer: Ronald Plante, csc

Editor(s): Stéphane LaFleur

Production Designer: Emmanuel Fréchette

Sound Designer: Pierre Bertrand, Mathieu Beaudin, Sylvain Bellemare, Bernard Gariepy Strobl

Music: Martin Léon

Principal Cast: Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Émilien Néron, Danielle Proulx, Brigitte Poupart

Philippe Falardeau was born in Hull, Quebec, and studied Canadian politics at the University of Ottawa and international relations at Université Laval in Quebec City. His previous films include "Pâté chinois", "The Left-Hand Side of the Fridge", "Congorama", & "It’s Not Me, I Swear!"

Distributor: Music Box Films

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