Documentary backdrop image for CHoosing at Twenty (2017)

2017100 minPGdocumentary

6.8/ 10(4 ratings)• TMDB

Colonialism

Deep Dive

CHoosing at Twenty

2017100 minPGdocumentary

6.8/ 10(4 ratings)• TMDB

Deep Dive

Between 1954 and 1962, 100 to 300 young French individuals resisted conscription during the Algerian War, facing accusations of treason and seeking refuge in Switzerland.

Colonialism

Genres

History

Director

Villi Hermann

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Synopsis

Between 1954 and 1962, 100 to 300 young French individuals resisted conscription during the Algerian War, facing accusations of treason and seeking refuge in Switzerland.

People

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Villi Hermanndirector

Synopsis

Villi Hermann returned to the Algerian-Moroccan border in 2016, decades after he helped rebuild a school in the region. Between 1954 and 1962, Hermann and a group of 100 to 300 young French individuals resisted conscription during the Algerian War, adopting anti-colonial and non-violent stances. Many were labeled as traitors and sought refuge in Switzerland, where they found local support. The film captures Hermann's reconnection with former students and fellow refractories now living in France and Switzerland, revealing the long-term impact of their choices.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Villi Hermann and his former students in Algeria.
Find out about French resistance during the Algerian War.
See how choices shaped lives across decades.

Did You Know

Between 1954 and 1962, 100 to 300 French individuals resisted conscription.
Villi Hermann returned to Algeria in 2016 after 54 years.
Many refractories sought refuge in Switzerland during the Algerian War.
The film includes stories of former students Hermann met in 2016.

Perfect For

French history enthusiastsAnti-colonial movementsConscientious objectors

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Frequently Asked Questions

What years did the resistance against conscription during the Algerian War take place?

The resistance occurred between 1954 and 1962.

Where did many French conscientious objectors seek refuge during the Algerian War?

Many sought refuge in Switzerland.

What did Villi Hermann do in 1962 related to the Algerian War?

In 1962, Villi Hermann traveled to the Algerian-Moroccan border to aid in rebuilding a school.

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