An empire massacres its own troops

On returning to their country in 1944, Senegalese troops (called “tirailleurs”) who fought for France, the colonial power at the time, found themselves herded into a detention camp. Ousmane Sembène’s moving 1988 film Camp de Thiaroye captures the intense sense of betrayal felt by these troops.

They are surrounded by barbed wire and guard towers. There are many complaints about the treatment they receive and particularly the lousy food. A representative is nominated to speak to the French commanding officer, who flatly refuses to do anything. When the Senegalese troops are finally due to leave the camp they discover that they will receive only half of the wage arrears owed to them.

They take over the camp by force, capture a French general and hold him hostage. After negotiations it is agreed that the arrears will be paid in full. It looks as if the troubles of the Senegalese soldiers are over, and they can now go home. However, on the night of 30 November - 1 December a deadly final chapter is played out.

Based on real events, the film won the Special Jury prize at the 45th Venice International Film Festival but was banned in France for ten years.

• Myths of Cinema no.3, “suspending your disbelief”