Ça commence aujourd'hui is Bertrand Tavernier's first major picture since winning a César - France's Oscar equivalent - for his epic Capitaine Conan in 1996.

Set in a forlorn former mining town in the north of France, the narrative revolves around one man's battle to breathe a little life back into this once prosperous village and its inhabitants. In the principal role of Daniel, the stalwart nursery school teacher who rallies against the odds, is Philippe Torreton, who has previously worked with Tavernier and won the César for best actor with his title role in Capitaine Conan.