Director Laurent Cantet on Bonjour Minnesota

Laurent Cantet, director of the acclaimed French film, THE CLASS, is interviewed by Caryl Minnetti on the program of Sunday, February 15,8:30-9:30 P.M. The film follows the experiences of Francois (played by Francois Begaudeau, who wrote the screenplay based on his own experiences) and his fellow teachers as they prepare for a new year at a high school in a tough neighborhood. 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 jeopardize any teacher's enthusiasm for the low-paying job. Francois insists on an atmosphere of respect and diligence. His classroom ethics are put to the test when his students begin to challenge his methods.

The film was the winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. It will be shown at the Uptown Theatre starting Friday, February 13.

The interview on Bonjour Minnesota is in French with a brief English resume.