Films Boutique has taken world sales rights to documentary “Elementary,” directed by Claire Simon, ahead of the film’s world premiere in the Special Screenings section of the Cannes Film Festival.
The film was shot at the Makarenko public elementary school on the outskirts of Paris. “Children want to learn and to be cheered while teachers know they do not only teach, they also educate,” according to a press statement. “With care, tenacity and effort, children are trained to become not only responsible citizens but also human beings.”
Simon previously directed the documentary “Our Body” (Notre Corps), which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2023 and was nominated for a César as best documentary in 2024. The film was also part of the documentary Film Selection of the European Film Awards in 2023.
Jean-Christophe Simon, CEO of Films Boutique, said: “Following the fantastic international reception of ‘Our Body’ last year, we are very proud to be working again with cult documentary filmmaker Claire Simon, this time in Cannes Official Selection, to celebrate the world premiere of ‘Elementary.’
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“‘Elementary’ is an inspiring film shot in a French elementary school and the film goes back to basics: it shows how to grow a society together and how education is probably the best answer and the best hope in these troubled times. The film is a breath of fresh air and also a declaration of love to teachers but also to the children who have many things to teach adults as well.”
The producer is Michel Klein, and the associate producers are Kristina Larsen and Gautier Raguenes. The cinematographer is Claire Simon.
The production company is Les Films Hatari. The film is made with the participation of France 2 Cinéma, France Télévisions, Sofica Cinémage 19, Madison Films, Iwaso Films, CNC, Ciné+ and Région Nouvelle Aquitaine.
The French distributor is Condor, which will release the film next year.
