THE BUTTERFLY aka LE PAPILLON

Year: 2002
USA: First Run Features
Cast: Michel Serrault, Claire Bouanich, Nade Dieu, Françoise Michaud, Helene Hily, Pierre Poirot, Jacky Nercessian, Jacques Bouanich, Catherine Cyler, Jerry Lucas, Dominique Marcas, Idwig Stephane, Francis Frappat
Director: Philippe Muyl
Country: France
Language: French (English subtitles)
USA: 88 mins
USA Release Date: 19 December 2003 (Limited Release - New York)

Synopsis

Eight year-old Elsa (Claire Bouanich) and her mom Isabelle (Nade Dieu), move in next to Julien (Michel Serrault), an ornery old entomologist with a lavish butterfly collection in his apartment. Her mother is hardly ever home, and Elsa soon grows attached to her neighbor. When Julien sets out on a weeklong hike in search of a rare and beautiful butterfly, Elsa hides herself in his car. Although Julien doesn't want Elsa and her constant questions around, he begrudgingly accepts the situation and allows her to tag along with him on his expedition to the Alps, where she learns many things about the natural and the human world.