“François (played by François Bégaudeau, teacher and co-screenwriter) and his fellow teachers prepare for a new year at a high school in a tough neighborhood. Armed with the best intentions, they brace themselves to not let discouragement stop them from trying to give the best education to their students.

Cultures and attitudes often clash in the classroom, a microcosm of contemporary France. As amusing and inspiring as the teenaged students can be, their difficult behavior can still jeapordize any teacher’s enthusiasm for the low-paying job. François insists on an atmosphere of respect and diligence. Neither stuffy nor severe, his extravagant frankness often takes the students by surprise. But his classroom ethics are put to the test when his students begin to challenge his methods…”

Winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, The Class is a vibrant snapshot of a rough high school in France. Directed by Laurent Cantet and based on François Bégaudeau’s own experience, the movie is an answer to idealistic pictures of teaching in tough schools. “I want audiences to realistically see how truly difficult it is to be a teacher,” says Laurent Cantet. This realism is strengthened by the modes and dialogues of the actors - all nonprofessional - and the many improvised and powerful scenes.

The Class was the closing night film of French Cinema Now, San Francisco’s annual French film festival. An Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, it is now playing at Clay Theatre, 2261 Fillmore St, San Francisco.