While the well-known French documentary "The Class" (Palme D'Or, Cannes 2008) explores the life a lively high-school class in a Parisian suburb, "To Be and To Have" highlights a calm and rural elementary class.
Nicolas Philibert successfully captures the daily life of George Lopez, a charismatic teacher and the children, by making them forget the camera.
The audience becomes a witness to daily routines, ordinary life and school lessons that remind us of small wonders and simple emotions.
No voice-over or explanations are needed to understand and enjoy the different scenes: a funny learning lesson or a fight during recess. It's all about feeling.

The documentary won a César and a European Film Awards for best documentary.