Please note: a panel discussion on issues of language acquisition and language learning will take place immediately after the screening. Speakers: Dr. Barbara OToole, Marino Institute of Education; Dr. Deirdre Kirwan, Principal, Scoil Bhride Cailini; Sevak Khachatryan, New Communities Project; and Lorraine Downey, CDETB ESOL Co-ordinator.

This fascinating documentary on an adaptation class within a Parisian school is extremely timely, given current discussions about living in exile, direct provision and emigration.

Documentary and feature filmmaker Bertuccelli (Since Otar Left) brings great sensitivity to her depiction of these young people aged 11-15, from Ireland, Senegal, Morocco, China, and all brand new to Paris. With very varied backgrounds, they are motivated by a desire to learn French to try and fit in. We follow their early attempts to grasp the language while at the same time learn a little about their hopes and dreams of a safe future within this culturally diverse society. (AM)

Director’s Note: An unobtrusively filmed portrait – these engaging and fragile youths are filled with hopes and doubts while facing incertitude.

Showing as part of the Carte Noire IFI French Film Festival 2014 (November 19th – 30th).