Film 2021
Héliopolis
A father and son disagree about Algeria’s future in 1945.
- Country collection
- Algeria
- Original title
- Héliopolis
- Director
- Djaffar Gacem
- Year
- 2021
Editorial profile. Availability on LAREINE TV has not been confirmed.
Story, without spoilers
In the Guelma region, landowner Mokdad Zenati favours closer relations with colonial France, while his son Mahfoud supports independence. Their conflicting convictions place a family at the centre of the events surrounding 8 May 1945 and the violent repression of Algerian demonstrations.
Context & recognition
Djaffar Gacem’s first fiction feature opened theatrically in 2021, after a press screening in 2020. The film approaches the massacres of Sétif, Guelma and Kherrata through a family drama inspired by history.
Main characters & cast
Mokdad Zenati
A landowner who favours accommodation with colonial France.
Mahfoud
His son, committed to Algerian independence.
