Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2008 Festival de Cannes, The Class is a lively venture into a multi-racial classroom, a microcosm of the world.

François and his fellow teachers prepare for a new year at a high school in a tough neighbourhood, trying to give the best education to their students. Cultures and attitudes often clash in the classroom. As amusing and inspiring as the teenage students can be, their difficult behaviour can still jeopardize any teacher''s enthusiasm for the low-paying job.

François insists on an atmosphere of respect and diligence. Neither stuffy nor severe, his extravagant frankness often takes the students by surprise. The classes are lively and vocal, and François sometimes struggles to keep control in the face of the big personalities, but he has the power to keep the students interested in words and language and is talented at diffult situations.

As the year goes on, problems emerge in the class. Each of the teachers, has his or her own frustrations dealing with the children, one promoting rigid discipline, most opting for a relaxed environment of strict rules and a more compassionate approach. While François is different from most other teachers, his classroom ethics are put to the test when the students begin to challenge his teaching methods.

The Class, headlining 2008’s international film festivals, is regarded as one of the most sought after films of 2008.