Contrast Jonathan's excitement for independence (symbolized by his suitcase) with his mother’s attempts to keep him confined. Use specific scenes, like the bathtub sequence, to discuss the blurring of boundaries. 2. The Suitcase as a Symbol of Autonomy Perform a semiotic analysis of the objects in the film. Discussion Points:
The film follows a group of young teenagers on a supervised nature retreat. However, instead of campfire songs and ecology lessons, the children stumble upon a strange, semi-feral boy living in the nearby woods. As the adults in charge fail to maintain order, group psychology shifts into something primal. The "civilized" children begin to regress, mirroring the wild child they have discovered. The narrative is sparse, reliant on haunting visuals by cinematographer Antoine Heberlé and an unsettling sound design that turns chirping birds and rustling leaves into instruments of dread.
The story follows seven-year-old Jonathan as he prepares for a school field trip to the countryside—referred to in French as "classes vertes". While Jonathan is excited to leave, his mother is deeply reluctant to let him go. The film examines the "havoc" that can be wreaked by a mother's refusal to detach, portraying their relationship through intimate and sometimes controversial domestic scenes. Director: Alexis Van Stratum Writers: Marie Enthoven and Alexis Van Stratum Lead Cast: Martin De Myttenaere as Jonathan Catherine Salée as the mother Marceau Henrard as Anthony Classes Vertes -2009- - Short Film Watch Online
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The film's emotional impact is driven by a highly accomplished European cast and crew: Classes vertes (Short 2009) - IMDb The Suitcase as a Symbol of Autonomy Perform
The film brilliantly captures the exact moment a child realizes that the world is not always safe or fair. The pastoral, idyllic countryside setting acts as an intentional irony to the internal anxieties felt by the characters. 2. Social Isolation and Bullying
At its core, "Classes Vertes" presents a deceptively simple scenario that quickly unfurls into a deeply moving psychological drama. The film centers on seven-year-old Jonathan (played by Martin De Myttenaere), a young boy excitedly packing his suitcase for a school trip. He is about to go on a "classe verte," a classic French and Belgian school tradition—a field trip focused on nature and environmental education that often involves several days away from home. As the adults in charge fail to maintain
"Classes Vertes" traveled extensively on the international film festival circuit, receiving significant critical acclaim. It was selected for numerous festivals, including the Brest Film Festival (France) and the FIFF (Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur). The 12th Brussels Short Film Festival was a major milestone, where Catherine Salée's performance was honored with the prestigious Best Actress Award for her role as the mother, a testament to her haunting and powerful portrayal. The film's success at festivals solidified its reputation in the short film circuit. The Raindance Film Festival has also used the film as a teaching tool for its master classes, illustrating the fundamentals of screenwriting and directing.
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The title Classes Vertes refers to the French tradition of "green classes"—educational field trips where city students are taken to the countryside to learn about nature and environment. However, Mallet’s film is far from a pastoral idyll.