This French documentary offers a historical perspective on French citizens with North African heritage. Facilitating TV scheduling, the 160-minute film is divided into three sections, beginning with "The Fathers," a look at the post-WWII French economy when an immigrant influx from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and elsewhere beefed up the work force. Many left families behind in exchange for segregation, low pay, and impoverished living situations. Later, the French government's Family Reunification Program brought wives and children over. "The Mothers" are seen in part two, followed by part three, "The Children." The film mixes black and white with color since contemporary interview segments (a lawyer, a writer, middle-aged women, teens living in projects, government officials) are intercut with numerous selections from postwar archival footage. Shown at the 1998 San Francisco Film Festival.
by Bhob Stewart
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