CHoosing at Twenty (2017) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A documentary exploring the lives of French conscientious objectors to the Algerian War and their lasting impact across generations.

Story Structure — 3 Plot Phases

The Conscientious Refusal

Young French youths refuse conscription for the Algerian War, adopting anti-colonial stances. They face condemnation as traitors at home and flee to Switzerland for sanctuary.

Key Events

• Refusal of Conscription — Hundreds of young French youths refuse to fight in the Algerian War. Location: France
• Flight to Switzerland — Rebels take refuge in Switzerland with local humanitarian aid. Location: Switzerland
• Condemnation in France — Refractories are publicly condemned as traitors in their home country. Location: France
• Anti-Colonial Stance — Conscripts adopt non-violent or anti-colonialist ideologies. Location: France
• Swiss Aid Network — Swiss citizens provide ongoing support to the exiled youths. Location: Switzerland
• Traitor Labeling — The French public and state label the objectors as traitors. Location: France

Rebuilding Amidst Ruins

Villi Hermann travels to the war-devastated Algerian-Moroccan border to rebuild a school. The project coincides with Algeria's independence, laying the foundation for future educational ties.

Key Events

• Villi's Departure to Algeria — Villi Hermann travels to the Algerian-Moroccan border region. Location: France
• School Rebuilding Project — Villi helps rebuild a school in a war-devastated area. Location: Algeria
• Post-Independence Context — Algeria gains independence, months after the school project begins. Location: Algeria
• War Devastation — Villi witnesses the war-devastated region near the border. Location: Algeria
• Exile Life — Refractories adapt to life in exile while maintaining their stance. Location: Switzerland
• Border Region Visit — Villi visits the specific region where he once worked. Location: Algerian-Moroccan Border

Echoes Across Decades

In 2016, Villi returns to Algeria to reunite with his former students and meet French refractories living in exile. The journey culminates in a reflective gathering that honors their youthful choices.

Key Events

• Decades of Separation — Time passes as Villi and his students live apart across borders. Location: Algeria/France
• Villi's 2016 Return — Villi returns to Algeria decades later to reconnect with his past. Location: Algeria
• Reunion with Students — Villi reunites with his former students at the rebuilt school. Location: Algeria
• Meeting Refractories — Villi meets French refractories living in France or Switzerland. Location: Algeria/France/Switzerland
• Educational Legacy — The rebuilt school stands as a symbol of post-war recovery. Location: Algeria
• Historical Reflection — The group reflects on their choices made at twenty. Location: Algeria
• Cross-Border Connections — Refractories maintain ties across national borders. Location: France/Switzerland
• Final Reunion — A collective gathering marks the end of the documentary journey. Location: Algeria

Story Breakdown

• The Algerian War Context — Historical backdrop of conscription and anti-colonial resistance.
  • Refusal of Conscription — Hundreds of youths refuse to fight, facing legal and social consequences.
  • Anti-Colonial Ideology — Adoption of non-violent and anti-colonialist principles.
• Exile and Condemnation — Flight from France and establishment of new lives abroad.
  • Flight to Switzerland — Seeking refuge and receiving aid from Swiss citizens.
  • Traitor Labeling — Public and state condemnation as traitors in France.
  • Exile Life — Long-term settlement and adaptation in Switzerland.
• Post-War Reconstruction — Educational initiatives in war-torn Algeria.
  • Villi's Mission — Travel to the Algerian-Moroccan border region.
  • School Rebuilding — Construction of educational infrastructure amidst ruins.
  • Independence Context — Algerian independence coinciding with reconstruction efforts.
• 2016 Reunion and Reflection — Decades-later return and intergenerational dialogue.
  • Return to Algeria — Villi Hermann travels back to reconnect with his past.
  • Student Reunion — Emotional gathering with former students at the rebuilt school.
  • Meeting Refractories — Conversations with objectors living in France and Switzerland.
  • Legacy of Choice — Collective reflection on decisions made at age twenty.

Directed by

Villi Hermann

Key Cast

• Freddy Buache — Self
• André Gazut — Self
• Diego Masson — Self
• Nils Andersson — Self
• Jacques Baynac — Self