After learning of the death of an elementary school teacher, Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), a 55-year-old Algerian immigrant, goes to the school to offer his services as a substitute teacher.  Quickly hired to replace the deceased, he finds himself thrown into an establishment in crisis, while going through his own personal tragedy. The film features exquisite performances by Fellag and the child actors playing Monsieur Lazhar’s young students coping with grief and learning to heal.

Award-winning writer-director Philippe Falardeau’s previous works - including Congorama and It’s Not Me I Swear! - have been screened at festivals around the world including Cannes, Toronto, New Directors/New Films, Berlin and Locarno. MONSIEUR LAZHAR, his fourth feature, is an adaptation of the play “Bashir Lazhar” by Montreal playwright Evelyne de la Cheneliere.