THE CHORUS (LES CHORISTES) Special Screenings

With France’s official Oscar® selection for Best Foreign Language Film, Christophe Barratier debuts as an astoundingly graceful storyteller who delights in the power of art to mend lives.

When his mother dies, world-class conductor Pierre Morhange returns home and is unexpectedly thrust into his past. The obstinate young Morhange attends the “Rock Bottom” school for unruly boys, where he and his classmates suffer for their childish pranks at the hand of the heartless Principal Rochin. That is, until lonely, good-natured Clement Mathieu arrives as their new Supervisor. With a soft heart and keen awareness of his students’ sufferings, Mathieu brings his own passion for music into the classroom to unveil the true hearts and minds of his motley, left-behind crew. Finally, above the dull gray of tottered sweaters and depressed hallways, rings the rich and fluid color of song.

Remarkably honest performances and a breathtaking musical element lend a resonating, refined note to this captivating childhood tale.