Guest review by Dan Berman

With Etre at Avoir (To Be And To Have), director Nicholas Philibert brings his audience into the rarely seen world of a rural classroom. The film takes you on a strong and moving trip through the eyes of young students dealing with their everyday routines. The teacher makes his daily rounds to all of the students to be sure that they understand their assignments for their lessons in class. It takes a very kind and patient eye as you watch the teacher communicate with his students. In the Auvergne region of France, teacher Goerges Lopez is one of those special people who take on the challenge that lay in wait for him every morning.

The camera stays clear as it simply examines the activity of the classroom. Lopez teaches children who vary in age from 4-11 years old. He, like most teachers, asks about homework, coloring, drawing, or just provides himself as someone to sit and listen. The approach he takes is simple. He doesn’t speak down to them nor does he raise his voice. He is an exceptional educator with over twenty years of experience teaching young minds, but sadly is on his way to retirement. The film gives a rare honor to an individual that sometimes goes overlooked by many, and in this film it truly does the honor justice.

To Be And To Have captures the teacher mending an argument between two of the eldest students. It shows him stopping a shoving match between his youngest in class. In both situations he remains calm and thoughtful of his class of young minds waiting for him to proceed with their day of learning. He carefully selects his words to send a clear message to all of his students what he expects from them in the course of a school day. It could be turning in their math homework, showing courtesy to fellow classmates, or paying attention while in the middle of a class. It’s truly a rare treat, and a documentary that should be considered to be one of the year’s best films.

With a beautiful background of the country’s landscape, the filmmakers give the film a wonderful sense of peace just like a painted portrait that captures your artistic eye.

Dan Berman