The race was tight this year with Monsieur Lazhar by Philippe Falardeau, Café de Flore by Jean-Marc Vallée, and Ken Scott’s Starbuck all favorites to represent Canada at the Oscars.
Yesterday, it was announced that Falardeau’s Monsieur Lazhar has been selected to represent the country, reports the Globe and Mail, and when asked about his reaction upon hearing the good news, Falardeau said, “It made me feel very happy but dizzy at the same time because it’s a long road.”
“People have to understand it’s long process. I am not nominated at the Oscars. I am Canada’s entry at the Oscars. But it’s nice to see that people recognize the quality of the film and it’s also a nice window for the launch of the film later on in Quebec.”
Adapted from a play by Evelyne de la Chenelière, Monsieur Lazhar tells the story of an Algerian immigrant who gets a teaching job and must help his students deal with the death of his predecessor, who committed suicide.
The film has already won major prizes at Switzerland’s Locarno International Film Festival in August, and at the Toronto International Film Festival this month.
The five finalists for the best foreign language film will be announced on January 24, and the ceremony takes place February 26, 2012.