Children of Chance

In the small community school of a former mining town, immigrant pupils complete their primary education with Brigitte, a teacher whose benevolent enthusiasm prepares them to flourish in a changing world. The film follows the school careers of these grandchildren of miners, most of whom are Muslim and most of Turkish origin. At a time when some of their older peers have chosen to withdraw into their own identities, the film highlights the way in which the children are trying to build themselves and give meaning to their lives. It captures their doubts and reflections during the terrorist attacks and in the face of harassment on social networks. An ode to life, told through the voices of children, this documentary reveals above all their hopes and their vision of the future. It captures the spontaneity, the pleasure of being, the end of a carefree time with its frailties. In this way, the film weaves together the past, the present and the future, and sketches out a possible sense of happiness, within the school and within society.