 The film deals with the contribution of North African soldiers to the Free French Forces during the Second World War and, controversially, with the discrimination against them.The film's release contributed to a partial recognition of the pension rights of soldiers from former French possessions by the French government.Cast members Jamel Debbouze, Samy Naceri, Roschdy Zem, Sami Bouajila and Bernard Blancan all won the "Prix d'interprétation masculine" at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival for their performances, and the film won the François Chalais Prize.