OTTAWA—The National Arts Centre is delighted to announce that Philippe Falardeau, the director of the Oscar-nominated film Monsieur Lazhar, will attend the upcoming screening of his film at the NAC on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 7 p.m. M. Falardeau will be accompanied by two of the film’s child actors, Sophie Nélisse and Émilien Néron.

The film, about an Algerian immigrant who is hired as a substitute teacher in Montreal, Quebec to replace a teacher who committed suicide, was nominated as Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards and has been winning praise from critics and audiences alike.

Monday’s film screening is being presented by Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore, Telefilm Canada and several public and private sector sponsors, and is the eighth in a series of “movie nights” that showcase Canadian films. Other recent screenings include Barney’s Version, Starbuck and Breakaway.

“We are looking forward to celebrating in Ottawa Philippe Falardeau’s incredible accomplishment in making this extraordinary film,” said Telefilm Executive Director Carolle Brabant. “In the history of the Academy Awards, five Canadian productions have been nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. Philippe certainly stands in excellent company. Monsieur Lazhar’s Oscar nomination will help demonstrate to the world once again the incredible strength of talent that is alive and well in the Canadian film industry.”

Falardeau’s connection to the NAC goes back to his teenage years, having worked there as an usher between 1985 and 1987.  

“All of us at the NAC are absolutely delighted for Philippe Falardeau, and congratulate him on his moving and very powerful film,” said NAC President and CEO Peter Herrndorf. “We’ll be cheering for him on Oscar night!”

Monsieur Lazhar is produced by micro_scope (Luc Déry, Kim McGraw) and distributed by Les Films Christal, Seville Pictures/Entertainment One. To date the film has generated over $2 million at the Canadian box office.

The Supporting Sponsor of the Ottawa Premiere Series is Rogers Communications.

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For more information:

Rosemary Thompson
Director of Communications
National Arts Centre
Tel:  (613) 947-7000, ext. 260
Cell: (613) 762-4118
Rosemary.Thompson@nac-cna.ca