The film "In Loco Parentis" screening Tuesday 25th April at 18:00 at the Théâtre de Grand-Champ in Gland and on Wednesday 26th at 21:15 at the Salle Communale in Nyon, has already received much praise; the Los Angeles Times called it "completely charming", Non-Fics described it as "A film sure to warm even the most jaded heart" and Variety said it was "delicately executed in every department". Living in Nyon agrees with all of the above and would add that it is a "marvellous, must see" film. See trailer below. This documentary follows a year in the lives of John and Amanda Leyden, two inspirational teachers who work at Headfort, a primary-age boarding school in Ireland. The school has seen better days, the fabric of the building is in need of tender loving care and yet the children receive plenty of care and attention by the school and its teachers. John and Amanda have been in the school for 46 years, they have taught all kinds of pupils over the years in their own inimitable style and nothing seems to faze them. As the current headmaster (who was taught by John) shows a potential parent around the school we see a sudden mad dash on the part of Amanda to tidy up her desk and to get on with the lesson in hand (she had been opening a birthday present and was letting the children play with the bubble wrap packaging). As the door opens and the new parent and headmaster appear she is seen to be calmly reading Enid Blyton to the children. The headmaster smiles and asks " The Famous Five?" "Yes" she says, "The Famous Five always does it". With acres of grounds to run around in, trees to swing off and climb up, old sheds to hide behind, and bunk beds in the dorms, the life of the children in the school is perfect Famous Five territory. And yet, the school is not stuck in a 1950's British timewarp. Pupils come from Ireland, France, Spain, Russia and other countries, discuss same-sex marriage and morality in an ethics class, and rehearse Rihanna songs. There are poignant moments when we see one of the pupils sobbing through homesickness "Just 10 sleeps to go until you see your mother" consoles a member of staff who looks after the children's welfare. When one of the children asks Amanda "Is your house listed?" it's not only amusing that a boy so young should know about listed properties, the question itself speaks volumes about his own background. Amanda looks slightly wistful, "no dear we don't own our house". She and John have spent most of their lives in the employ of the school and it appears that property-owning was not on their personal timetable. Some of the scenes in the film would raise eyebrows in parents concerned about health and safety issues - wires trail across school floors and children use electric drills on their own, yet despite this, the children survive and thrive. On the film's own website it says the school has produced a slew of achievers, captains of industry, famous artists and academics. The school is obviously doing something right.

Taste of Cement directed by Ziad Kalthoum, screening Monday 24 April 10:00 at the Salle Communale in Nyon at the Visions du Réel film festival. Film review by Rachel Beacher Syrian director Ziad Kalthoum, exiled in Lebanon in 2013 after running away from military service, has made a beautiful and moving documentary about Syrian builders enslaved in the building sites of Beirut. Working on the black market without rights, homes or personal lives, the men have a forced curfew of 7 pm and sleep underground like rats in a country that has increasingly turned against its massive war refugee population. Yamen, the poetic narrator and subject of the film, recalls his life in Syria, including his father telling him: “When war begins, the builders have to leave for a different country where war just ended.” Through stunning imagery and powerful use of silence at the very top of a skyscraper in construction, in contrast with the noisy city below, Kalthoum masterfully expounds the concept that the story of war and peace is a story of cement. As Yamen describes how he once was trapped under a collapsed building in Syria, surrounded by the smell of cement - “the smell of death” - you realise that it is often not bombs and shells that kill civilians in wartime but the very buildings they live in, the buildings that Yamen and his fellow workers are damned to spend 12 hours a day reconstructing in a country that is recovering from its own civil war. In a question and answer session after yesterday's film, Kalthoum explained how he gained access to the building site by telling the developer he was making a documentary about construction, and was banned from the site when he was discovered to be filming the Syrian workers in their underground dormitory. The expensive and modern machinery used to put up the towers seems from another world when we watch footage of a chaotic and noisy rescue attempt at a collapsed building in Syria, where a man tries unsuccessfully to dig out a distressed child with what looks like a tin plate. In a subtle, innovative way, Taste of Cement encourages us to ask ourselves what kind of a world values buildings more than people, and spends billions on creating a city only to knock it down again.

"Brave documentary filmmaking" - One Day in Aleppo, directed by Ali Alibrahim, produced by Feras Fayyad Screening Monday, April 24 at 14:15 - Capitole Fellini Tickets here This film review is by Rachel Beacher. Rachel is a British journalist based in Lausanne. There is brave documentary making – then, there is filming in the middle of besieged Aleppo, long after foreign journalists have left, taking great risks with your own life to capture the stories of people who might not survive until the next day's shooting. Syrian journalist and director Ali Alibrahim presented the world premiere of his astoundingly courageous One Day In Aleppo at the Visions du Réel festival on Sunday 23 April. The documentary, which will be screened again on Monday 24 April, was filmed by around six cameramen over the course of a year, during the two periods that the city was under siege. The purpose of the movie, Alibrahim explained in a question and answer session after Sunday's screening, was to show how people managed to survive and continue their lives even under siege, across Aleppo's 34 neighbourhoods. He chose to make the film without dialogue in order to make it accessible to everyone. The film opens with a group of people running as bombs fall from the sky, while the cameraman stands firm and watches them flee. Next we see a boy, perhaps aged about 11, dressed for school with a rucksack, wandering round the ruined remains of what was once a classroom. Ordinary scenes of people going about their lives as best they can, making bread and starting a fire in the open air, are interspersed with footage of activities that must have become almost as mundane – cataloguing bodies in body bags, digging graves. There is a surprising moment when we watch three dozen well-looked-after cats being fed a hearty meal by staff from the Aleppo cattery while their city lies in tatters – later we see the same worker running for his life, cats presumably dispersed or dead. In one of the film's happier tales, a group of children use cans of brightly-coloured paints to create murals of flowers and smiling faces on the ruins of their city. Later, heart-wrenchingly, a rescue team attempts to extract a youth severely crushed between the upper layers of a building. In another shocking scene, a cameraman is travelling in the passenger seat of an ambulance that is shelled. Incredibly, he captures the windscreen smashing unexpectedly and the injured driver being dragged out by rescuers without breaking the shot. Alibrahim told the audience that some characters' stories were not brought to a conclusion within the movie because three people his crew were following were known to have died, and four others could not be located. “There were many difficulties during the shooting,” he explained. “There was the shelling on a daily basis and there was constant fear with shooting this film.” He said it was hard to use cameras that were high tech, and shoots would go on for as long as possible because the teams knew that the characters might die before they had the opportunity to return. “The last week of shooting was when the characters started fleeing the city. If there is a character living in a certain neighbourhood, would go back and couldn't find him any more. The situation changed dramatically.” Ground level and handheld footage is complemented by stunning general views of the city taken from a camera drone operated by Hasan Kattan. People were willing to be filmed because they wanted their stories to be told. Frequently, defying documentary convention, they stop to look directly at the camera, as if to say, accusingly: 'you forgot us once, remember us now'. The documentary was produced and co-edited by Feras Fayyad, director of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner for Last Men in Aleppo. One Day In Aleppo is surely destined to be an international winner too. Photos above - courtesy Visions du Réel

The central area of Visions du Réel (next to the Salle Communale) in Nyon, is a hive of activity with a bar, restaurant and new this year, food trucks serving Thai food, burgers from the Rolling Chefs, pasta dishes from Pomodoro and a Hummus and friends truck. There's also dancing at the central area with different styles of music each night. See here

If you are are a rugby fan, a runner or simply a documentary film fan - two films showing this weekend at Visions du Réel are well worth watching. Ultra (about the 246 kilometres marathon) will be screened on Saturday 22nd at 17:00 in the Théâtre de Grand-Champ in Gland and on Sunday 23rd at 21:00 in the Colombière Grande Salle in Nyon. First Try (about a rugby team made up of prison inmates) will be screened on Saturday 22nd at 22:00 at the Théatre de Marens in Nyon and on Sunday 23rd at 13:45 in the Théâtre de Grand-Champ in Gland. Here are two short reviews of each film plus trailers. The first review is by the editor and the second by a reader who is also a runner. First Try The Giallo Dozza (Yellow Card) is a rugby team in Bologna, Italy made up of players between 20-36 years old. But this is no ordinary rugby team, it is made up of inmates in a prison who have been sentenced from anything from four years to life. The purpose of the rugby team is to help with the physical, social and educational rehabilitation of the players. As their coach tells them at the beginning of the film, "The team is called the Yellow Card because everyone is trying to get back in the game with better behaviour". The opening scene shows the players training in a scrum machine in the prison grounds, players train in all weathers on the prison grounds, they learn tactics, they learn to curb their tempers, new members are brought into the team and have to learn to wait to play. All of this is under the watchful eye and careful guidance of their coach Max. An inspirational leader he encourages them and cajoles them to do better. The team only play home games and when they do Max insists on professionalism at all times. His inmate team are from all over the world but when they are together they are a unit. Director Enza Negroni shows the life of the prisoners off the field and inside the prison, reading correspondence from loved ones, praying in a cell which has been turned into a mosque, they train and keep fit against the background of the austere, grey prison walls and all the time being watched by the prison guards. And then of course it's about the match, will the team win the next game? Who will be chosen for the team? This is a beautifully shot, wonderful, poignant film, with an excellent soundtrack. Negroni does not tell any back stories of the prisoners, as viewers we judge them purely on their skills on and off the pitch and as they interact with each other. At 1 hour 16 minutes, the length of the film is perfect, enough to tells this interesting and very human story. Ultra This weekend is the Lausanne 20 km races. For those who didn't get your application in on time, or for those who finish early, take yourself along on a journey with runners tackling the Spartathalon, a mere 246 km from Athens to Sparta. This Ultra distance run, inspired by the feat of Pheidippides in 490BCE, has to be completed within 36 hours. Filmed by one of the runners, and featuring four others, it follows them through the race and demonstrates well how addictive running can be, and how driven the participants are even to the point of becoming disorientated. There are some back stories but this is really about the metronomic progress along the 246 km. It's not really a race against other participants, but it is against the clock, the body and the mind. As one of the runners says "Not strong enough to finish, not strong enough to give up" there are a range of outcomes that are hard to foresee and that keep the interest to the end. Whilst your reviewer is unlikely to sign up for the Spartathalon anytime soon, he has subsequently been on the Lausanne 20km website with a view to 2018...

Two events coming up in English in April and May Free leadership training for young leaders from the 24th - 30th April in Nyon and Coppet and the Geneva English Drama Society will present the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Our Town" on the 2 - 6th May. The play is a portrait of the joys, sorrows and wonders of life in a small town in early 20th century America. See details of both events in posters below.

Visions du Réel, the prestigious documentary film festival starts in Nyon on Friday 21st and continues until the 28th April. The festival has a temporary bar and a restaurant set up in the festival central area in Place Perdtemps, and films are screened in six venues across Nyon and in one venue in Gland. The festival is open to the general public and most films have subtitles in English. Some films are in English as the main language. One of these films (to be screened on Saturday 22nd at 14:00 and Sunday 23rd at 10:00 at the Salle Communale) is A Campaign of their Own - Directed by Lionel Rupp, produced by Michael David Mitchell This film focusses on Jonathan Katz, a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter. He campaigns in the streets of New York with other supporters during last year's U.S caucuses. They knock on doors, attend meetings, they hand out stickers and demonstrate in public parks. They discuss policy and Hilary Clinton, they agree and disagree with each other. Photos above and below - courtesy Visions du Réel Sanders' supporters are a diverse group of people. From the feisty teenage volunteer who says, "It's not about Democrat or Republican, I just want to see someone who is honest for me to actually care about them", to a young black musician who jokes, "I have a problem with Sander's age, I can already see it with my Dad - " I forgot where my phone is, I don't know where my glasses are". A fellow musician responds " but with age also comes wisdom". Supporters chant slogans; "Human rights will succeed, putting end to corporate greed". Some of them complain the slogan is too long and not catchy enough. The supporters campaign through all weathers and as they gather in a hot church hall they fan themselves whilst listening to more speeches. The camera pans to a woman in a t-shirt that says, "Neither Elephant nor Ass". Even though the end result of the 2016 presidential election is already known to the viewer, this slice of American life is still fascinating to watch. It's the small details in the film that make it an engaging one and an interesting insight into a moment in American political history. For tickets click here

Cruising the lake, Crime and Religious Sites Tours! The Spring timetable of the CGN lake boats came into effect on the 14th April. There's a special offer for families on Sunday the 7th May (Swiss Navigation Day) when it will cost just CHF 50 for 2 adults and four children to cruise the lake all day long. The price is just CHF 25 with the half-price pass! This is a great opportunity to hop on and off at various ports and discover new places and attractions around the lake. Full details click here. Nyon tourist office has two guided tours coming up at the end of April On the 29th April at 14:00 it's the "chemin de crime" tour of the town - find out about crimes committed in previous centuries, visit the prison and hear about some of its residents, discover paths and alleyways in Nyon where it once wasn't safe to walk at night and hear about the burning of witches in the area! As a contrast, the tour on the 30th April focusses on Nyon's religious buildings, there will be a visit to the newly renovated Temple and other religious sites, and an explanation of the various religious artefacts that can still be found around the town. Both tours are in French, they cost CHF 10 and begin at 14:00 outside the château and last for about an hour and a half. Although the tours do not need reservations, if you would like to take any of these tours and would prefer the explanations to be given in English, please pop into the tourist board or give them a call on 022 365 66 00 in advance to let them know. If you can't make either of the above dates, there are other tours coming up later in the year. See poster below or click here

"Splash!" (Plouf!) - the new exhibition at the Musée du Léman officially opened last week and will run right through until September 2018. Note: The museum will be open from 10:00 - 17:00 on Friday to Sunday over the Easter weekend. The exhibition is a fascinating look at the history of bathing/swimming in and around the lake plus other lake-related leisure activities. There's plenty to see: from vintage posters which promoted the lake and its delights, to a collection of old swimming costumes, maps and exhibits. On one of the maps, there's even a mythical monster that was reputed to be in the lake! A small collection of vintage personal photos ( found at a flea market) shows a family swimming in the lake in the 1930's. There is a section illustrating the various public campaigns over the years to keep the lakeside free from new construction and to make the lake more accessible to the general public and to keep the lake free from waste and litter. The exhibition covers both the Swiss and French side of the lake. The exhibition is suitable for all ages. There is a small self-service café in the museum and the museum is situated next to a lovely little children's park. Note: The text of the exhibits is currently in French but will be translated into English very soon. Check out the submarine (which once operated in the lake) in the permanent collection in the museum. Children's birthday parties can be organised at the museum.

What to learn more about Improv? Improv classes are starting soon with the Geneva's Renegade Saints. Improvisation is a great way to increase your creativity, a chance to let loose and have some fun in a supportive setting. There are three levels of classes: 1. Intro to Improv, for first-time improvisers Tuesdays 19:00 - 20:30 pm from 18 April - 9 May (4 weeks). Cost: 120 CHF. 2. Level 2, for those with some improv experience under their belts Mondays 18:30 - 20:00 from 24 April - 19 June (8 weeks, no class 5 June). Cost: 250 CHF. Optional performance on 26 June. 3. Level 5, for those with at least 2 years experience Mondays 20:15 - 21.45 from 24 April - 19 June (8 weeks, no class 5 June). Cost: 250 CHF. Optional performance on 26 June. Register here The Renegade Saints are a well-oiled improv comedy machine - a multi-national English-language improvisation troupe based in Geneva, Switzerland. Blending a variety of performance and training backgrounds, the Saints perform once a month for audiences of 100+, hold improvisation classes and workshops open to the public.

There are two Easter events happening this weekend in Nyon, both take place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April so there is an opportunity to visit them both. The first is "Pâques en Fête" at the Moulins de Chiblins. Workshops for children, decorated eggs, carriage rides and jumping rabbits for the little ones! Artisanal beer from the Nyon Cap'taine mousse brewery for the adults (see our article here about the brewery). Oysters and other food delicacies on sale. Plenty of parking, see map below or see website Click here. Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 -17:00. It's also a good opportunity to visit the Moulin itself and to see the vintage tractors and old farm equipment. Also this weekend on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April from 08:00 - 18:30, it's the Easter Market in Nyon down by the Rive (lake area) of the town. Local products on sale, Easter gifts and all the lovely decorated fountains to check out.

Two new places have recently opened in Nyon - a cool new café (open on a Sunday!) and a shop selling new vinyl records and CDs. Both new businesses are situated at the top of Nyon's old town. Café ex Machina opened a few weeks ago in Rue du Vieux-Marché (near the Julius Ceasar statue/Roman frieze) and it is already receiving a loyal clientele for its speciality coffees and teas and for its laid back, friendly ambience. The industrial style building with comfy sofas, wooden tables and Wi-Fi is a great place for meeting up with friends or colleagues, to have a coffee before work (the café opens at 08:00) or to catch up with emails. The café is open on a Sunday and serves light snacks, cakes, including gluten free and vegan food. But it the coffee that is the star of the show here with everything from a cortado to a macchiato to a simply expresso (and more) on offer. The coffee beans are roasted on the premises. Owner and founder, Rui Narciso worked for 30 years in the world of finance and then came to a point where he decided he needed a change of career and a different lifestyle. So he made the decision to open a café which allowed him to do his own thing. It took a while to get the project off the ground and a lot of hunting to find the right place to suit his concept. Finally, he spotted an old established upholstery business in Rue du Vieux-Marché, the owner was about to retire - negotiations followed, and Rui took over, extensive work followed to transform the space into the café he wanted from removing asbestos to installing underfloor heating - the work was finally completed and opened in March this year. Check out the photos on the wall of the cafés transformation. The café also has an outside terrace for those sunny days. Open 08:00 -18:00 Check out the photos on the wall of the cafés transformation. The café also has an outside terrace for those sunny days. Open 08:00 -18:00 Photo above - the team at Cafe Ex Machina - left to right Denisse, Denis, Rui, Banu (Rui's wife) and Ayshé Also new to Nyon is Bar à Disques in Rue de Collège 3. Run by owner Sébastien Villard, this shop sells all genres of music with around 800 CDs and 600 vinyl records in stock (new, not second hand). The shop also sells gift vouchers - perfect for a present! There is a little bar at the back of the shop with bar stools. Here, customers can chew the fat and chat about music. Open Tuesday to Friday 11:00 -18:30 Saturday 10:00 -17:00 non-stop Photo above - Sébastien Villard owner of Bar à Disques