Gatineau filmmaker Philippe Falardeau's 2011 film Monsieur Lazhar has been nominated for the best foreign-language film at the 84th Academy Awards.

But before Falardeau goes to the Oscars three weeks from now, his film is being shown at a special screening Monday night at the National Arts Centre, where he once worked as an usher. Monsieur Lazhar is the story of an Algerian immigrant who helps a middle-school class deal with the death of their teacher.

Falardeau sat down with CBC Ottawa's Sandra Abma to talk about the film and his journey from growing up in Hull to going to Hollywood.

Click on the video above to watch.