When an elementary school teacher commits suicide, her class and the entire community is shaken to the core. No one wants to talk about it save her replacement, Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant seeking political asylum. With great sensitivity and humor, Monsieur Lazhar follows a humble man who is ready to overcome his own loss in order to accompany children beyond the silence and taboo of death. Exquisitely acted by Fellag and a group of extraordinarily talented children,Monsieur Lazhar was named Best Canadian Feature Film at the Toronto International Film Festival and is Canada’s entry for Best Foreign Film in the Oscars.

Salt Spring Film Festival gratefully acknowledges our partnership with Film Circuit, presented by TIFF, and its sponsors and supporters. For more information about Film Circuit and to view a full list of their sponsors and supporters, please visit www.tiff.net/filmcircuit