Orphelins de la Patrie

Wars are often discussed from the perspective of men, rarely from that of women and children. War strikes the soldier, but it also leaves an entire family bereaved, abandoned, and sometimes destitute—especially in eras when the man was the sole breadwinner. As for the orphans, left to grapple with the confusion of their youth, they learned to suppress their grief while inheriting a history whose burden they carry.

What does it mean to be a "Ward of the Nation" (Pupille de la Nation)? Is it a form of recognition, a privilege, or a duty toward the Nation? Under French law, what family circumstances can grant this status to orphaned children—most often in the wake of war? Being adopted by the Nation... and then what?

The filmmaker conducts an investigation. Her interviews with various families and sets of siblings shed light on the conditions for obtaining this status. They recount stories of parents who disappeared, were deported, or died fighting for France. These accounts come from former "Wards of the Nation"—now adults with the perspective needed to talk about their experiences.

From the Great War to the Second World War, then from the Korean War in 1951 through to the Algerian War, the "Wards of the Nation"—each shaped by a different destiny—tell their stories based on their own lived experiences.

A Sophie Bredier documentary

With the participation of France Télévisions

Director : Sophie Bredier

DOP : Jean-Philippe Bouyer

Length : 52 min

Editor : Matthieu Augustin

Sound engineer : Yolande Decarsin