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Unlike previous immigration cycles (1880 or 1920), that saw France look outside its borders for the necessary workforce to build or rebuild the country, this wave of immigration was impacted by decolonization and especially, the Algerian war of independence. Algerian workers would become the enemies of the interior who suffered for a long time the resentment from those with a nostalgic attachment to the idea of racial superiority.
Still, in their wake, hundreds of thousands of migrant workers and their families would come from Portugal, Spain or Italy and gradually integrate "discreetly", without being targeted by political speeches or the police forces.
Their children and grandchildren recall this particular page of French history…from the Algerian war to social advancement through education and hard work; from May ‘68 to anti-racism, from rock n roll to paid holidays.
For them, the idea of “returning home” was a visit to their fathers’ country, but home was where this new generation had built their lives….
Click here to watch the beginning of eps. 3 (in French)!
AVAILABLE FOR SCREENING: French version only
Festivals and Awards:
* 2019: Series nominated for “Best Use of Footage in a History Production” at FOCAL Awards, taking place on June 20th at The Troxy in London
* 2019: "Best French TV Documentary 2018", awarded on 28 Jan. by the 'Syndicat Français de la Critique de Cinéma' (French cinema critics' syndicate) in Paris.