Discussion: Classroom and Society - The Teachers' Lounge and The Class

Join us for a discussion about The Teachers' Lounge by İlker Çatak and The Class by Laurent Cantet, exploring how both films portray the classroom as a microcosm of society, where questions of power, ethics, and culture are tested within fragile dynamics of trust and authority.

The Teachers' Lounge (Das Lehrerzimmer) - 2023, İlker Çatak: When a dedicated young teacher, Carla, confronts a series of thefts at her school, her attempt to expose the culprit spirals into a tense conflict with colleagues, parents, and students. What begins as a pursuit of truth transforms into an examination of justice, surveillance, and the cost of standing one’s ground. – Can be rented on Prime Video.

The Class (Entre les murs) - 2008, Laurent Cantet: Set in a multicultural Parisian middle school, François, a French teacher, navigates the daily challenges of teaching literature to a group of spirited and outspoken students. The film blurs the boundaries between documentary and fiction, capturing raw, spontaneous exchanges that reveal tensions around culture, language, and representation. Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, it raises enduring questions about education, democracy, and the role of dialogue in shaping young citizens. – Can be rented on Curzon Home Cinema.

⚠️ Important: Space is limited, so please RSVP only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, kindly update your RSVP to allow someone else to take your spot.

💙 This is a safe and inclusive space where everyone is welcome. We encourage open, respectful conversations and celebrate diverse perspectives.

Looking forward to seeing you there! 🎬