The Competition

Claire Simon, one of France’s leading documentarians, gives an enlightening all-access tour behind the scenes at France’s premiere film school, La Fémis, during its long and exhaustive admissions period, during which thousands upon thousands of would-be filmmakers are evaluated for their qualifications for forty cherished slots. Her captivating film shows us heated discussions among selection committee members, entrance interviews, and other forms of evaluation in this unique glimpse into the operation of a state-run institution officially—if quite imperfectly—representing the French Republican values of equality.