Watch School of Babel

School of Babel is a thought-provoking documentary film from 2013 that explores the lives of a group of immigrant students at a Parisian school. The film is directed by Julie Bertuccelli and features Maryam Aboulgila, Felipe Arellano Santibanez, and Miguel Angel Cegarra Monsalve in leading roles. The movie follows a group of teenagers hailing from various countries who attend a Parisian school together. The students come from diverse backgrounds, including Senegal, Mali, China, Tunisia, Venezuela, and many more. They are all newcomers to France, seeking a better future for themselves and their families.

The film takes a deep dive into their lives, exploring their struggles, aspirations, and challenges as they adapt to life in a foreign country. Through their story, the movie examines issues of immigration, integration, cultural differences, and identity.

The students in the film are all enrolled in a French as a Second Language class, taught by a passionate teacher, Brigitte Cervoni. She is devoted to her work and fiercely protective of her students, often going out of her way to help them in any way she can. Brigitte challenges her students to learn French and express themselves in the language, urging them to find their own voice and speak up for themselves.

The movie features interviews with the students, their parents, and Brigitte, who provide insight into their personal experiences and struggles. We see how some students have experienced racism and discrimination, while others find acceptance and embrace the multiculturalism of France.

One of the standout moments in the film is when the students are asked to recite a French poem. Many of them struggle with the language, but their efforts and determination are heartwarming to witness. We see how they support and learn from each other, overcoming language barriers and building friendships across cultures.

The film also explores the students' relationships with their families, particularly their parents. We see how some parents struggle to understand and integrate into French society, while others embrace it fully. Some parents also face economic challenges and hardships, making it harder for their children to succeed in school and in life.

Overall, School of Babel is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on the experiences of immigrant students in France. The movie is a poignant reminder of the courage, resilience, and strength of those who move to a new country in search of a better life. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the challenges immigrants face in modern-day society.

School of Babel is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.