'Monsieur Lazhar' heads to Japan

Quebecois scribe-helmer Philippe Falardeau's drama hit "Monsieur Lazhar" has been acquired by New Select and Zazie Films for distribution in Japan.Repped by Gallic shingle Films Distribution, "Lazhar" is Canada's candidate in the Oscar foreign-lingo race. Pic has been critically acclaimed and nabbed festival prizes, such as Toronto Film Festival's best Canadian feature award; and it picked up two nods at Locarno: Variety Piazza Grande award and UBS audience kudo."Lazhar" has also had a successful run at the Quebecois B.O. since being released on 28 prints on Oct. 28, grossing $247,225 in three days.Based on Evelyne de la Cheneliere's play, "Lazhar" follows the journey of a middle-aged Algerian immigrant who becomes teacher in a Montreal elementary school to replace a professor who has committed suicide.Pic was produced by Micro Scope, the outfit behind Denis Villeneuve's "Incendies," which was released in more than 30 territories."Monsieur Lazhar" has been acquired in France's UGC and the U.S.'s Music Box.The deal to Japan was brokered by Nicolas Brigaud-Robert from Films Distribution and Shoko O'Donnel for New Select and Zazie Films. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com