"This film is a fictional story freely inspired by actual people and events." "In July 1939, the last big wave of immigration reached France." "Impoverished laborers, mostly from Algeria and Morocco, arrived in Paris looking for factory and construction work." "The war and the German occupation halted the influx." "Most were sent back to North Africa but many stayed on, struggling to make ends meet in occupied Paris." "Greetings!" "Ηow's life?" "What have you got?" "Good things?" "Got any coffee?" "Coffee and cigarettes." " How much for this?" " Six." "Cigarettes for me, too." " For you?" " Tea." "Trade me some cigarettes for this darbuka." "It's no use to me." "I don't do trades." "It's all I have left." "I'm penniless." "It's valuable." " It belonged to Ηadj El Αnka." "Right?" " Right." "Free Men" "Greetings." "Any post, Maryvonne?" "Still nothing." "I've finally found you." "What's up, Ali?" "There's a crackdown on immigrants." "Id checks are increasing." "Υou'd better watch out." "I know, I'm losing customers." "Listen, Υounes." "We union guys are getting organized." "We're meeting tonight." "Why not come?" "I told you, I'm not interested." "Would your dad like how you get the money you send home?" "Mind your own business!" "You know why I'm here." "To make my cash and go home." "Dear brother, I hope this letter finds you all well." "Did you get the latest money I sent?" "I hope the work on the house is going well." "Everything's good here." "Cousin Ali is fine." "We work hard at the factory." "I miss you all." "He's been out all day." "Police!" "Identity check!" "Face the wall." "Search the rooms." "What's this?" "Take him away." "Move!" "Answer the lieutenant." "Tell us where Ali is hiding." "I don't know." "I'm not involved in that." "You're lying." "I know nothing." "Who are those goods for?" "Me." "Take him away." "Υounes Bendaoud!" "Follow me." "Been in Paris long?" "Since 1939, sir." "Are you practicing?" "I don't understand." "Do you attend the mosque?" "On holidays, sometimes." "Here's a deal." "Be useful to us and keep your business." " What do I have to I do?" " Attend the mosque." "Report everything to me." "Tell me who comes and goes, who visits the Director." "Every outsider you see, tell me." "Got it?" "Everything OK?" "This is the Koran I was telling you about." "The Sultan himself gave it to the mosque." "It's infinitely precious to us." "You see?" "Every letter is covered in gold." "Beautiful work." "Tell me, Your Excellency, how fares our little business?" "I've submitted your dossier." "It's with the Royal Palace in Rabat." "I imagine it's only a matter of weeks, if not days now." "How can I thank you?" "That's a smart suit." "Today is an important holiday." "It's the Prophet's birthday." "Everybody's all dressed up." "What's the word in Arabic?" "Mabruk!" "Major, I'm impressed." "Major, please!" "Thank you." "He's a young Algerian singer." "I think he'll be a star one day." "They say his voice is among the best in the Arab world." "I must go." "As you wish." "I'll see you out." "You want something?" "I have a darbuka to sell." "Are you interested?" "Show me." "It's not here." "I can bring it tomorrow." "You know the Αndalussia Club?" "Bring it there tomorrow." "What do you want?" "To see Salim." "Someone to see you." "Let's see." "Real rubies." "Where did you get it?" "My family." "It was Ηadj El Αnka's." "You know him?" "I'll give you 800." "Francs?" "Why, isn't it enough?" "Here." "I'm singing here tomorrow." "Be my guest." "Isn't it beautiful?" "You got more stuff like that?" "Depends what you want." "This confidant murmuring secrets to you" "Gives you the hope of reaching the sanctuary" "Accept his word until your dying breath" "He is not asking for alms, but f or kindness" "God bless your parents and grant you long life." "Before we visit the Andalusian-style garden, admire the doorway of this prayer room." "It is used on holidays when the main prayer room is full." "Now let's visit the beautiful Andalusian garden." "There is disapproval in Marseille of your collaboration with the French." "What should I do?" "Let the Germans take my mosque?" "There was a holiday crowd." "Ben Ghabrit was showing a German officer around." "They listened to music." "They seemed friendly." "Is that all?" "When the Germans had gone, Ben Ghabrit went off with the imam." "He looked bothered." "Then what?" "I don't know." "He went out alone in the evening." "Alone?" "Where to?" "I don't know." "He drove off." "Interesting." "But I need to know more." "The mosque is issuing fake certificates." "I need to know who for." "Have you seen these people there?" "You know him?" "No, but..." "I may have seen him in a night club." "A friend of Salim's." "He's never at the mosque." "Who is Salim?" "He's a singer." "He has a great voice." "Don't bullshit me." "His name is Salim Ηalali." "He's Algerian." "We met at the mosque." "He sings at the Αndalussia." "That's all I know." "Find out about him." "What's he plotting with that communist?" "Take this." "Keep me informed and you'll get plenty more." "Omar!" "What are you doing here?" "I need to replenish my stock." "I told you not to come here." " Meet me tonight." " I'm busy tonight." "I get off in an hour." "Wait outside." "One hour." "The days..." "A curse on all those days..." "Those days of pain and sorrow!" "I love a girl from Andalusia" "Young and dazzling as a meteor" "God, how beautiful she is!" "Those captivating eyebrows..." "With their beguiling curves..." "Leave her lover sighing" "I love a girl from Andalusia" "Young and dazzling as a meteor" "Her dark eyes, driving me insane..." "Her wild hair, flowing like a mane..." "How can I get close to her?" "Praise the creator of such beauty!" "The girls here are stunning." " Hello, Salim." " Hi, Jeannot." "Ηow's it going?" "How do you like the blonde?" "You kidding?" "!" "Have a drop." "Your health." "Slowly!" "It's not tea." " Hi, Salim." " Hi, darling." "See you later." "You know people here." "They all know me." "You know, when I arrived in Marseille, I was only just 14." "I knew nobody." "No club would listen to me." "Now I want to enjoy it." "When the war is over, I hope to open my own club in Paris." "The "lsmailia Follies"." "God willing." "Cheers, brother." "Slow down!" "I'm drunk." "I told you it wasn't tea." "DECREE OF JUNE 6ΤΗ, 1942" "Forbidding Jews to perform on stage..." "What does it say?" "Just bullshit." "Come on." "Who is it?" "Larbi." "Let me in!" "This was sent to the club." ""No Jew may perform on stage..."" "I know, I know!" "I can't risk having the police close my club." "You better watch yourself." "There are informers everywhere." "Get off my back!" "Who cares about that crap?" "Nobody stops me singing!" "Tell me about the singer." "We went out drinking in Pigalle last night." "He lives in the 11th." "What do you know about him?" "What is it?" "Talk!" "Why are you here?" "I often see you at the mosque but never in the prayer room." "Prayer lets us stand back from the world we live in." "Don't you think?" "What are you doing here?" "What do you want?" "We need to talk." "Not now." "I'm busy." "We need to talk." "Now!" "I said I'm busy." "I've been expecting you." "I've known about you all along." "You haven't been very subtle... but I didn't know they were investigating Salim." "Does he know?" "I tried to tell him but..." "What should I do now?" "It's up to you." "I don't want to know." "You should try the mosque's steam bath." "Ali!" "I thought you were dead!" "Cousin!" "The police are after you." "Come here." "You put me in the shit." "The cops raided the hotel and questioned me." "I almost got shot." "What got into you?" "Take it easy." "I tried to keep you out of it." "I've joined the Resistance." "I'm hiding here till things calm down." "Nobody must know I'm here." "Forget you saw me." "Why fight?" "It's not our war." "I'm fighting for freedom." "In France today, Algeria tomorrow... and all North Αfrica." "I just spoke to Ben Ghabrit." "Why are they after me?" "What have I done wrong?" "Relax." "They don't know you're Jewish." "I'm sorry about last time." "I wasn't alone." "The past is past." "Let me buy you a drink." "Where is he?" "What's the matter?" "I want to back out." "I raise a toast to French-Arab friendship and congratulate His Excellency," "Si Kaddour Ben Ghabrit, our minister plenipotentiary and envoy of the Sultan of Morocco, for facilitating contacts between France and North Αfrica," "Lebanon, Syria, and the Muslim world in general." "Your Excellency, on behalf of Marshal Petain and France," "I salute your eminent role in sealing the friendship between our countries." "Thank you, Minister." "Your health." "Please be seated." "Excuse me." "Minister, may I have a word in private?" "Please, come in." "Have a seat." "Minister, I'd like to know what's behind this charade." "What do you mean?" "You heap praise on me with one hand and deny me your trust with the other." "Dear friend, please explain!" "The immigration police have sent a man to spy on the mosque." "That's unacceptable." "I disapprove entirely." "I had no part in it." "I'll take it up with the interior Minister." "Welcome." "Enjoy your meal." "Υounes!" "What's up?" "What are you doing here?" "Eating." "You should eat downstairs with us." "I need your help." "I need to take some papers to a place in the 11th but I can't be seen outside." "Go after dark." "It'll be too late." "What are the papers?" "Fake papers for an Algerian family in danger." "I'm not taking risks for strangers." "I'm in enough trouble." "I can't ask anyone else." "Do it for me." "Idiot!" "You were spotted!" "The deal's off." "Got it?" "Stay out of my way, or else!" "Get out." "They've gone." "They were arrested this morning." "What did you want?" "I had something for them." "Are you a relative?" "No." "Can you spare a minute?" "Please." "Their parents brought them just before the police came." "They can't stay." "What can you do?" "Me, nothing." "I've got papers..." "They can't stay here." "The block warden says the police will search the building." "They'll find them here." "I don't know what to say." "Who are they?" "Orphans." "Orphans?" "Where are your parents?" "What's your name?" "Tell me your name." "Sarah Bensoussan." "Sorry." "They can't come in." "They have nobody." "I can't help that." "We want no trouble here." "I know, but what can I do?" "Take them back to whoever gave them to you." "I'm not taking them back." "Please..." " We want no trouble." " They're staying." "Children, go with the man." "Let them in!" "But these children are Jews." "They are our children." "With all due respect, we should not interfere with German..." "I know." "That's enough!" "Yes, sir." "Move along." "Go back to your prayers." "Come, children." "I'm proud of you, Υounes." "I knew I could count on you." "Come in!" "This is Francis." "He was at the factory with us." "He was a union man." "Now he's a freedom fighter like us." "Pleased to meet you, Υounes." "What's new?" "You can talk." "Υounes is my cousin." "Be a good girl, now." "It's safer indoors." "What's up?" "Visitors." "They should be indoors." "Go inside, children." "What's wrong, Sarah?" "Nothing." "Major, you haven't said what brings you here... but if it's about... your medal, I'm af raid I've had no..." "Your Excellency." "I have something to discuss with you in private." "Certainly." "What is that?" "It's from the Deputy Policy Chief of the Vichy Ministry of Police to the Minister." ""The Occupation authorities suspect"" ""the staff at the Paris mosque"" ""of fraudulently supplying Jewish individuals"" ""with papers falsely certifying"" ""that they are Muslims."" ""The imam has been ordered to desist or be punished."" ""It seems that many Jews will stoop to anything"" ""in order to conceal their identity."" "Major," "I don't believe a word of it." "I trust our imam implicitly." "He alone has the power to issue these certificates." "But our community has enemies." "I will not let them tarnish the mosque's reputation." "Then... get a new imam." "But Major, that's impossible!" "In that case, if it happens again, my superiors will hold you responsible." "Have you seen Salim around?" "How are things?" "OK." "What are you reading?" "Looks interesting." "Can you read?" "I get by." "I took French lessons at the factory." ""We are a people."" ""We have a common language, the rich language that is Arabic."" ""We have a glorious past."" ""We have all it takes to be a people."" ""When we say 'the Algerian people',"" ""we make no distinction of race."" ""When we demand universal suffrage,"" ""we demand it for every member of the Algerian people."" "Messali Ηadj." "I need eggs, Υounes." "At least a dozen." "I'm done with the black market." "Thanks for the book." "I read some of it." "It made me think." "Want a hand?" "Go on then." "Not bad!" "Neither are you." "It comes from living alone." "What brought you to Paris?" "My cousin Ali." "He's been here for ten years." "He got me a job in a factory just before the war." "I did it for two years." "Then I got ill." "With what?" "Tuberculosis." "I was in Bobigny Hospital for weeks." "I survived, thank God." "Pass me the brush." "I lost my job but I'm still in one piece." "How about you?" "I'm here for family reasons." "Family in Paris?" "A brother in Germany." "Doing what?" "He's in a prison camp." "God willing, he'll soon be free." "Maybe we could see each other somewhere else." "Would you mind leaving us for a moment?" "What's going on?" "I've just heard... there's going to be a big police raid in the 11th district." "I don't know what they're planning... but I advise you to leave France." "Go to Morocco." "You'll be safe there." "My friends will give you shelter." "I can't leave Paris yet." "I have to find someone." "As you wish." "I want to stay put as long as I can." "The certificate will keep me safe." "Not any more, it won't." "The Germans know they're fake." "Listen, Salim... if you get arrested... tell them your father lies buried in the Muslim cemetery in Bobigny." "My father?" "It proves beyond doubt that you're a Muslim." "Leila's been gone since this morning." "Where did she go?" "To meet some people." "Who?" "Don't be too inquisitive." "We'll find out more tonight." "He's with me." "Banned from the Party for collaborating with the fascists." "Exactly one year ago," "Messali Ηadj got 16 years hard labor for refusing to collaborate." "Wait here." "He refused the bait because he rejects every form of fascism." "Like him, we believe we will never be free unless we wage war on colonialism and fascism." "Long live freedom!" "Down with colonialism and fascism!" "The police caught Leila." "They were tipped off." "They raided the barge." "Tipped off?" "What was she doing on a barge?" "Helping comrades who'd escaped from a German prison camp." "Why did you involve her?" "She knew what she was doing." "Her brother was one of them." "Wasn't he due for release?" "He helped stage a riot in the camp." "They were all going to be shot." "Jew?" "Hands up!" "He's not Jewish." "He's a Muslim." "Are you sure?" "Where have you been?" "Listen, Salim." "The police are outside arresting everyone." "Are you listening?" "You know who he is?" "Mohamed Adbelwahab." "I've always dreamed of singing with him." "Listen." "I pay my respects to one of the best voices I've ever heard." "Salim Ηallali!" "Salim, would you mind joining me on stage?" "Thank you." "Salim Ηallali?" "Police!" "Come with us." "Move!" "Today, thousands of Jewish families were arrested all over Paris." "Men, women and children." "There is something... terrible about to happen." "What can we do for Salim?" "You know where the Muslim cemetery is?" "Well?" "He says he's a Muslim." "Is this your only proof?" "Who says you're not an Algerian Jew?" "My father lies buried in the Muslim cemetery." "Check it out." "Where's the grave?" "Υou'd better find it!" "Si Brahim Ηallali lies here, called to God" "Can you get me a gun?" "What for?" "You're safe now." "That's what I thought before." "Next time I'll put up a fight." "Don't worry, there won't be a next time." "Who carved the gravestone?" "Was it you?" "Take your coat." "Don't stay here." "This is the Free French Radio in London." "This morning, 75,000 British and American troops landed in Morocco and Algeria under General Eisenhower." "The success of Operation Torch was aided by French Resistance units joining the Allies in the war against Hitler." "In his speech, General de Gaulle hailed the Free French Forces for their courage and determination." "And now some personal messages." "The tiger has eaten the lobsters." "I repeat..." "Your Excellency." "Welcome, Major." "So!" "Can I finally see the medal?" "Have a seat." "You know it's been awarded to you." "But you'll have to go to Morocco to receive it officially." "The Sultan is attached to tradition." "Go to Morocco?" "Υou're joking." "The Americans have occupied." "I'm sorry, Major." "No one can receive this royal medal unless they follow the protocol." "The Order of Ouissam Αlaouite is the highest distinction." "Only the Sultan himself can bestow it." "You're very cunning." "But I have some bad news for you too." "So far, the German authorities have been soft on you, to avoid antagonizing Muslims." "But things have changed." "The Gestapo counter-espionage unit is investigating you." "You are in danger." "I thought you should be warned." "In danger?" "For what reason?" "I don't know yet." "But you do," "I'm sure." "This is the last time we'll meet." "I have to leave Paris." "Did you have any trouble?" "Francis came to see you." "About what?" "Leila." "It's looking bad for her." "They made her brother talk." "She could be shot." "Shot?" "Why?" "It's time you knew the truth." "Her name isn't Leila." "It's Warda Slimane." "She's a leading communist from Algeria." "She fled the mass arrests there a few months ago." "The French police were after her." "They're moving her to Fresnes tomorrow." "Made in Germany." "Top quality." "Don't get caught with it." "It's much riskier than peddling cigarettes." "I've never met you." "Who's it for?" "Friends." "This war could bring us independence." "Plenty of guys think so." "I hope we don't get screwed over again." "God willing." "Love says," ""Whoever gives up his life"" ""is given a thousand and one lives in exchange."" "Who is it?" "I'm busy." "Still asleep?" "What do you want?" "Will you sing at Maryvonne's birthday party?" "I've stopped singing." "Forget it." "Come on." "Get up." "Get dressed!" "Leave me alone." "I told them you'd come." "Don't disgrace me." "Will there be drink, at least?" "What on earth has happened?" "Isn't he Jewish?" " Why?" " No reason." "I heard he was." "Married women have started using bad language and turning away from their husbands" "The Yankees have landed with their bulging pockets" "They stroll the streets, attracting all the girls" "Now my girl puts on airs because she's being courted by the Americans" "Everywhere you go, you hear "OK, OK"" "They give out candy, cigars and dollars" "Old ladies buy nylons and scarves" "Even little children get treats from the Americans" "Wherever you go, you hear "OK!" "Come on!" "Bye-bye!"" "Happy birthday!" "Thanks, Omar." "I haven't had chocolate for ages." "It's my pleasure." "Here, for your friend Salim." "Looking for Salim?" "He's upstairs." "I was just having a nap." "What?" "Your slice of cake." "No thanks." "I've never cared for chocolate." "Stop staring at me like that." "What's the matter?" "Where are you going?" "EXECUTED THIS MORNING" "Keep moving." "What's going on?" "Francis' group got raided." "The Germans intercepted their radio." "Francis got hit." "He made it to Bobigny Hospital." "We have to get there before the Gestapo and bring him to the mosque." "Warn Ben Ghabrit." " I'm coming with you." " Too dangerous." "I said I'm coming." "Get down!" " We have to warn them." " Don't move!" "Can you walk?" "Don't worry, I'll be OK." "He's lucky." "No vital organs were hit but he lost a lot of blood." " Where is he?" " Sorry?" "We know a terrorist came here for treatment." "An injured man came and went, leaving no address." "I alerted the authorities at once." "I wouldn't advise going in." "That's the tuberculosis ward." "Go ahead, but at your own risk." "That's Omar!" "You know him?" "He's an immigration Bureau snitch." "So that's where he gets his goods from now." "What goods?" "We're being followed." "What do we do, Ali?" "Speed up!" "They're catching up!" "Faster!" "Get out!" "You won't escape alive!" "Surrender!" "Run for it!" "Come out with your hands up!" "Run!" "Hurry!" "They're coming!" "You should have warned me." "You acted without my approval." "Bobigny Hospital is crawling with police spies." "It's common knowledge." "You've endangered the mosque!" "What possessed you?" "The mosque is now under 24-hour surveillance." "The hospital's chief doctor has been executed." "Now I'll have to evacuate the basement." "I'll need your help." "It's your chance to go back home." " Back home?" " Your friend Omar, you know what he did?" "He told the Gestapo you were at the hospital on the day of the shootout and now they're after you." "Hurry up!" "Seal off all the exits." "Ben Ghabrit told me you're leaving." "We may not meet again." "About the other evening..." "The past is past." "His sister's missing." "Where is she?" "She went to get my teddy." " I'll be back." " We'll wait." "What is all this?" "Today is Eid, a Muslim holy day." "Please show some respect." "What you are doing is outrageous!" "I'll report you to your superiors." "Colonel Knochen, the SS chief in Paris, wants to see you." "Come with us." "I'm scared of all the soldiers." "Don't worry." "Come quick." "Please stand." "Now make your way towards the exit, all together." "May God thank you." "Come on!" "Time to go." "Wait a little longer." "Here they come!" "Wait!" "Go with your brother." "Aren't you leaving?" "Paris, August 1944" "Long live France!" "Keep this for me." " Where are you going?" " See you later." "Hello." "I'm glad to see you're alive." "How have you been?" "Fine." "And you?" "Fine." "Have you heard from Salim?" "He's doing well." "He's singing again." "He went back to live in the 11th." "You know he loves it there." "He often asks after you." "You should pay him a call." "I'm sure he'd be pleased." "Won't you join us?" "Some friends are here." "I understand." "Off you go." "Dear brothers, we walk the road to glory with confidence." "We want to fight for our freedom but there's no freedom without sacrifice." "Brothers, let us act!" "We're ready to give our blood to free our country." "So let's join forces with the French Resistance!" "If we give the same blood, we'll have the same rights on victory day." "Long live the freedom of peoples!" "Long live brotherhood!" "Down with colonialism!" "Down with fascism!" "Long live freedom!" "After the war, Salim Ηallali opened the Ismailia Follies in Paris." "He was the leading champion of North African music in Europe." "Later, he moved to Casablanca, where he founded North Africa's greatest cabaret, Le Coq d'Or." "Finally, he retired to Cannes, where he died in anonymity in 2005." "Si Kaddour Ben Ghabrit was awarded the Resistance Rosette in 1947." "He directed the Paris mosque until his death in 1954." "He was buried in the grounds of the mosque." "Through Younes, a character inspired by various free men of North Africa," "This film honors all the unnamed men and women who fought for freedom."