Louise and the School of Freedom

France, the late 19th century. Louise Violet (Alexandra Lamy), a teacher from Paris, is sent to the countryside to open a school. Children from farming families are also supposed to learn to read and write in the republic – that’s the law. However, country life looks different. The children are needed as harvest helpers to ensure their families' survival. Louise Violet faces only misunderstanding with her educational ideals. Yet, although none of the village children initially shows up in the classroom, she remains steadfast. This impresses Mayor Joseph (Grégory Gadebois), who admires the mysterious outsider not only for her intelligence. With his support, she manages to persuade the skeptical parents. However, there is a tragic secret in Louise Violet's past that will soon come to light and call into question her fight for educational justice.

France 2024, 108 min, French with subtitles.