Manifesto of the 121 Poster

Manifesto of the 121 2011

★ 10.01 votes52 min📅 2011-01-01

Step into the charged atmosphere of 1960 Paris with *Manifesto of the 121 (2011)*, a gripping documentary by filmmaker Medhi Lallaoui.

Director: Medhi Lallaoui

Cast

Bernard Langlois
Bernard Langlois
Narrator
Siné
Siné
Self
François Maspero
François Maspero
Self
Jacques Vergès
Jacques Vergès
Self
Maurice Nadeau
Maurice Nadeau
Self
Simone Signoret
Simone Signoret
Self (archive footage)
Jean Daniel
Jean Daniel
Self
Jean Lacouture
Jean Lacouture
Self
Jean-Claude Silbermann
Self
Hubert Damisch
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manifesto of the 121 (2011) about?

This documentary explores the explosive 1960 trial of French activists tied to Algeria's FLN independence movement. What begins as a legal proceeding spirals into a political tribunal, exposing the brutality of colonial war and igniting public protest. The film captures how defendants, witnesses, and lawyers transformed the courtroom into a platform for opposition.

Who directed Manifesto of the 121?

The film was directed by Medhi Lallaoui, a filmmaker known for his politically charged documentaries that blend historical depth with compelling storytelling.

Who stars in Manifesto of the 121?

Key participants include Bernard Langlois, Siné, François Maspero, Jacques Vergès, and Maurice Nadeau, alongside the enduring legacy of Simone Signoret.

Is Manifesto of the 121 (2011) worth watching?

For history lovers and activists, this is a must-watch. As a documentary, it offers an unflinching look at a turning point in anti-colonial resistance, wrapped in a tight 52 minutes. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its themes of justice and defiance remain powerfully relevant today.

How long is Manifesto of the 121?

The runtime is 52 minutes.

About Manifesto of the 121 (2011) — A 1960 courtroom revolution documented

Step into the charged atmosphere of 1960 Paris with *Manifesto of the 121 (2011)*, a gripping documentary by filmmaker Medhi Lallaoui. This 52-minute deep dive revisits a pivotal moment when the trial of French activists linked to the Algerian FLN's independence struggle unexpectedly became a courtroom revolution. Directed with precision, the film weaves together archival footage, testimonies, and dramatic courtroom scenes to expose the hypocrisy of colonial war policies. At its heart, Lallaoui's documentary captures the raw political energy of a generation refusing silence, transforming a legal proceeding into a public indictment of state violence.

Through interviews with key figures like Bernard Langlois, Siné, and François Maspero, *Manifesto of the 121 (2011)* reconstructs a historic clash between justice and oppression. The documentary thrives on its authentic portrayal of defiance, where accused activists and their supporters turned the trial into a stage for dissent. With themes of resistance and moral reckoning, Lallaoui crafts a compelling narrative that's as much about the past as it is a mirror to enduring struggles for freedom worldwide.