The Algerian selection committee selected “Héliopolis”, the first feature film by Algerian producer Djaâfar Gacem, to represent Algeria at the 2021 Oscars.
Inspired by real events in Algeria in the 1940s, this historical film traces the story of a father and his son with divergent political ideas in “Héliopolis” in Guelma in eastern Algeria.
Two hours of film illustrating the daily life of an Algerian family after the end of the Second World War and a few days from the demonstrations of May 8, 1945.
On the bill of “Héliopolis”, Algerian actors like Fodil Assoul, Naceredine Djoudi, Aziz Boukrouni, Mourad Oudjit or even Souhila Maâlam, but also French actors.
However, the regulations of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences require that all feature films be marketed in their country of origin and, unfortunately, “Heliopolis” could not be admitted because it was not broadcast and could not participate in any foreign festival.
Despite everything, the film was more than recognized and praised by the Algerian selection committee for its “great technical, artistic and thematic quality”.
