Tomboy (2011) Discussion Questions: A Free Resource Booklet for Film Clubs and Classrooms

World Cinema with Anna | Film Club Resources

Some films start conversations without raising their voice. Tomboy, Céline Sciamma’s gentle French drama about a ten-year-old’s summer, is one of them. It asks big questions about identity, friendship and family, but it does so through games, playgrounds and small, truthful moments.

To help you talk about it, we have created a free resource booklet for film clubs, classrooms and reading groups: 55 discussion questions in eight themes, with activities, a printable student worksheet and facilitator notes. It is especially useful during Pride Month in June and LGBT History Month in February.

Why Tomboy works so well for discussion

The film does not tell the audience what to think. It follows Laure, who moves with her family to a new neighbourhood and, when a local girl assumes she is a boy, introduces herself as Mickaël. The film never says how Laure sees herself, and Sciamma has left that deliberately open. That openness gives every viewer room to notice, wonder and disagree respectfully.

Tomboy is also short, at about 79 to 82 minutes depending on the source, and it was made quickly and simply. Sciamma wrote the script in about three weeks, and the film was shot in 20 days in the summer of 2010. It won the Teddy Jury Award at the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival.

What is inside the booklet

The booklet, Tomboy (2011): Discussion Questions and Resource Booklet, has seven parts:

• For facilitators: age guidance, a note on language and pronouns, ground rules and a suggested 60-minute session plan.
• The film at a glance: a summary, the main characters and key terms such as gender identity, gender expression and gender stereotype.
• Before you watch: four spoiler-free warm-up activities.
• Discussion questions: 55 questions on first reactions, identity and play, family, friendship, secrets and consequences, society and stereotypes, film craft, and the ending, plus a core set of 12 for short sessions.
• Activities: four corners, scene study, creative writing, poster design and a French language exercise.
• Student worksheet: a printable page with space for answers and an exit ticket.
• Context and further resources: background on the director, films to watch next and useful links.

A few questions to get you started

• Why do you think Laure tells Lisa her name is Mickaël? Does it seem planned, or spur-of-the-moment?
• The film never says how Laure sees herself. Why might Sciamma have left this open, and what are the benefits and drawbacks?
• Who decides what boys and girls are meant to like or do? Think about family, school, media and friends.
• What would help children feel safe to be themselves in a school or community like the one in the film?

Three ways to use it

• Film club: choose eight to twelve questions, give everyone a few minutes to jot down their thoughts, then discuss in small groups.
• Classroom: use the printable worksheet and one activity, such as four corners or scene study, over a single lesson. The film connects with French, languages and PSHE.
• Reading group or family evening: pick the core set of 12 questions for a relaxed conversation after watching.

Age and content guidance

The BBFC classifies Tomboy U, with a note of mild violence and occasional natural nudity. Into Film, which runs educational screenings in the UK, has recommended it for pupils aged 12 and over. The film contains one brief, non-sexual shot of a child’s nakedness, a fight between children and a moment when a mother slaps her daughter. A U certificate does not mean that every theme suits every age, so we recommend previewing the film and following your school or club policies. You may also wish to let parents and carers know about the screening in advance.

A note on language

In the film, Laure’s family calls her Laure, and her new friends call her Mickaël. The booklet suggests agreeing as a group which names and pronouns to use, and avoids drawing conclusions about the character’s identity. Its ground rules ask everyone to talk about the film and its characters, and nobody is expected to share personal experiences.

Download the booklet

• Tomboy (2011): Discussion Questions and Resource Booklet (full booklet)