School of Babel
School of Babel

Movie spotlight

School of Babel

2014
Movie
89 min
French

They just arrived in France. They are Irish, Serbs, Brazilians Tunisians, Chinese and Senegalese ... For a year, Julie Bertuccelli filmed talks, conflicts and joys of this group of students aged 11 to 15 years, together in the same class to learn French.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Director: Julie BertuccelliGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary offers an intimate look into a unique classroom in France, where students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds come together. The film follows their journey as they learn French and navigate the challenges and joys of integrating into a new society. It highlights their personal stories, hopes, and struggles, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of modern adolescence in a multicultural setting.

Critical Reception

School of Babel received critical acclaim for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of young immigrants and their educational experiences. Critics lauded its ability to capture the raw emotions and resilience of the students, offering a profound insight into the complexities of integration and the universal quest for belonging. The film was praised for its direct, observational style and its humanist approach.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its empathetic and humanistic portrayal of young immigrants.

  • Commended for its insightful look into the challenges and triumphs of cultural integration.

  • Appreciated for its direct and authentic observational style.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not readily available for this specific documentary.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the César Award for Best Documentary Film in 2015.

Fun Fact

The documentary was filmed at the Collège Selma Djedidi in Paris, a specialized class designed to help non-native French speakers learn the language and integrate into the French education system.

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