Few films can claim a change in government policy among their achievements. But Indigènes (Days Of Glory) by Rachid Bouchareb has made an impact at the highest level. The 128-minute film focuses on the actions of Moroccan and Algerian men who fought alongside French soldiers to liberate France from the Nazis in World War II. As well as inspiring French President Jacques Chirac to reintroduce pensions for France's North African war veterans, and recognise their vital contribution to victory, the lead actors gave such a strong performance that they were jointly honoured with the Best Actor award at Cannes this year.

The story:

1944-1945 - The liberation of Italy, Provence, the Alps, the Rhone Valley, Vosges, and Alsace was essential if the allies were to achieve victory. The assault was led by the First French Army, recruited in Africa in order to avoid the control of the German commissioners and the Vichy authorities. It was made up of around 200,000 men, including 130,000 “indigenes” (natives) - 110,000 North Africans and 20,000 Africans. The rest of the men were two thirds “pieds- noirs” (French colonials) and one third young frenchmen who had fled the occupation. Days of Glory focuses on the African/Arab volunteers who were subject to much racism and bigotry within the French army ranks even though they were willing to fight for a country they had never before stepped foot on. Victory, and the subsequent advance on Germany, was only achieved after much bloodshed and great losses.

The film relates the forgotten story of the soldiers known as “Indigènes” following the epic adventures of four of them: Abdelkader, Saïd, Messaoud and Yassir (le goumier) a mobile corps, reputed for their endurance, ground sense , and courage in close combat. They are sent to the front line. Each one is in pursuit of a different objective throughout the passage across France which they liberate, arms in hand.

Yassir joined for the booty he expected to collect.

Messaoud was surprised by the welcome from the French. He hopes to marry and live in France, to escape the arpatheid in Algeria.

Saïd wishes to escape poverty in Morocco, and hopes to find a family in the French army.

And Abdelkader who is fighting for liberty and equality, in joining the French army he hopes for France’s recognition, and more justice towards the colonised Algerians once the war is over.

http://www.indigenes-lefilm.com/

Nice one Gwaan.

I was impressed when I saw this trailer in theatre last month; moreso with the comment above, thanks for the background.

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Cheers for the save Farhad!

This was the first film in a local French Film Festival this past Friday night.

In the closing credits there is mentions of the pensions restored in 2002, but then goes on to say that the matter is still not totally resolved.

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