Héliopolis is an Algerian historical and dramatic film inspired by real events, directed by Djaffar Gacem, a very popular director in Algeria. The film traces the beginning of the tragic events of May 8, 1945 and the massacres of Sétif, Guelma and Kherrata in Algeria during French colonization. The official theatrical release in Algeria took place on May 20, 2021, and the film was sold out in most cities of the country, a success and a strong craze. In addition, Heliopolis is the name of a small village 5 km from the town of Guelma where the action of the film takes place.

Heliopolis relates the evolution of the relationship between the Muslim native population in Algeria and French settlers between 1940 and 1945. Mokdad Zenati, a native landowner, and his two children, Mahfoud and Nedjma, more or less coexist correctly with the French settlers. Mokdad raises them between Muslim and Western values and believes in the ability of indigenous Muslims to have acceptance in the settler-dominated society. His vision of a peaceful “French Algeria” is destroyed as the country suffers from the economic repercussions of the Second World War, which accelerates the conflict between settlers and Muslims. Torn between his convictions and the spread of a nationalist movement that seduces his own son Mahfoud, he chooses neutrality rather than alignment. He tries to prevent a confrontation made inevitable by the advent of the political movement AML, Friends of the Manifesto and Liberty, and the resurgence of the French armed militia. In spite of his efforts, on the same day of celebrating Germany’s surrender in France, unarmed demonstrators seeking independence were massacred by French settlers in Algeria.

Reda Mourah is the composer of the music used in the trailer of Heliopolis.