a year 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 a section Competitive selection Out of competition Fipatel a category Aspects of French Production Aspects of European Production Special Screenings EuroFipa of honor Passions critiques 20 Years Young Artists

They are between the ages of 8 and 10, are just barely out of childhood, and in a few weeks, they will be the youngest pupils of the prestigious Paris Opera Dance School. Seven boys and 12 girls will spend six months in this school, which will test their physical endurance and their artistic abilities. Six months as boarders, with very strict regulations: up at 6:45 a.m., class in National Education until 12 noon, lunch, then dance, choreography, mime or musical education until 6:30 p.m. Not all of them will make it. There is a special ambiance here, dictated by the worship of performance, where friendship sometimes comes up against jealousy, where rivalry can upset the group spirit. In July, a final exam will decide if these little “rats” can continue at the school. It’s a great responsibility, which will probably mark out their future. It’s up to them to show their dancing abilities, as well as their sense of music, work, rhythm, choreography, discipline, group spirit. It’s up to them to show how capable they are of belonging to an elite. For these kids just barely at the age of reason, the pressure is great and the competition tough.

France - 2006 - 2 x 52 mn - DV Cam - Colour

Director Olivier Pighetti Writer Olivier Pighetti Camera Olivier Pighetti Sound Joël Rivasso Editing Fabienne Clavier-Kaufinger

Production Piments Pourpres Productions, 44 rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France Tél : +33 (0)1 4329 3040 Fax : +33 (0)1 4325 2496 with the  participation of France 3

Sales Java Films, 4-6 villa Thoréton, 75015 Paris, France Tél : +33 1 4060 2624 Fax : +33 1 4060 2649 E-mail : contact@javafilms.fr