Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they acquired North American rights from Memento Films International to the Cannes Palme D’Or winner, Laurent Cantet’s, “The Class.”   The acquisition also includes rights to Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.  

 “The Class,” received widespread critical raves and reportedly won over the Cannes jury unanimously for the top prize. Based on a best-selling autobiographical novel by Francois Begaudeau, who plays the main character, the film follows the year in the life of a French schoolteacher working in a tough multi-cultural section of Paris.
“The Class” was co-written and directed by Laurent Cantet, co-written by Francois Begaudeau and Robin Campillo, and produced by Haut et Court’s Carole Scotta (“Ma Vie en Rose”) and Caroline Benjo.  
 Memento Films International’s Emilie Georges said of the acquisition, "We are thrilled to work with Sony Pictures Classics. We choose them in a very competitive environment because we strongly believe that they will be the best partners for this high profile film. "

Noted Producer Carole Scotta, “We are thrilled to be working again with Sony Pictures Classics. THE CLASS is the result of a long-term collaboration with Laurent Cantet. Laurent seems to have reached an universal audience with his very idiosyncratic approach both human and lucid about the way the world is evolving.”
Added director Lauren Cantet, “I am very proud that my film will be handled by Sony Pictures Classics and I hope this story of a teacher and his students will be giving France a new face with more understanding of the contradictions and difficulties of our country at this time.”

Sony Pictures Classics confirmed, "The Class is one of those rare foreign films that has universal appeal. The experience of watching it is so overwhelming in its ability to emotionally engage both audiences and critics alike.   It is one of those perfectly made movies that puts Laurent Cantet at the head of the class as one of the world's finest filmmakers. We are thrilled to be releasing his movie and to once again be working with our friends Carole and Caroline at Haut et Court."