The Minato International Association (MIA) hosts a bi-monthly event called “Minato TABUNKA Cine-Talk”, which combines film screenings with group discussions.

Under the theme “Building a multicultural community through film,” the program showcases works that explore diverse perspectives from around the world.

This film is a moving documentary, School of Babel, that follows children from diverse nationalities, religions, and family backgrounds, and the teacher who gently guides them through their new lives in France. 

Ireland, Senegal, Brazil, Morocco, China... Children aged 11 to 15 arrive in Paris, each carrying their own unique story.
Some have fled hardship in their home countries, others seek asylum, and still others have come in search of a better life.
For one year, they join a special “reception class” at a middle school in Paris, where they live and study together while learning French.

With 24 students and 20 nationalities, their classroom becomes a microcosm of the world.
Each child brings a different language, religion, and culture. Amid these differences, conflicts sometimes arise, and tears are shed. Yet through language barriers, cultural divides, and past traumas, the children gradually learn to understand and support one another, forming bonds of friendship that transcend their differences.

Their journey offers us a glimpse of hope for the future. 

This film quietly, yet powerfully, captures the encounters and growth that emerge from diversity.
It gently asks us: What does it mean to live together? — and offers a heartfelt answer.
After the screening, we will hold an open discussion where you are welcome to share your thoughts and reflections on the film. We hope you will join us!

 

Language: French (with Japanese and English subtitles)

 

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Advance Ticket Sales
Available from: Friday, October 10 at 15:00
Until: Monday, November 17 at 23:59 (the day before the screening)
Same-day tickets will be available on-site (cash only).

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Film Details

Director: Julie Bertuccelli
Editor: Josiane Zardoya
Original Music: Olivier Daviaud
Sound: Stéphane Bue, Benjamin Bobe
Mixing Engineer: Olivier Goinard
Production: Les Films du Poisson, Sampek Productions
Co-production: ARTE France Cinéma
Distributor (Japan): United People
Original Title: La Cour de Babel
Supported by: Embassy of France in Japan / Institut français du Japon
Country: France / Year: 2013 / Language: French

Minato International Association (MIA)

Duration: 89 minutes / Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 / Color: Color / Sound: 5.1ch / Genre: Documentary
Official Website: http://unitedpeople.jp/babel/

 

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