The Foreign Legion: A New Family

The Foreign Legion: A New Family, directed by Damien Muratel plunges us into the world of the Foreign Legion. From their arrival at the recruitment centre in Aubagne, to their posting at their respective regiments, we follow the extraordinary journey of three young men: from Nepal, France and America.

Gangai is a young Nepalese man who decided to join the Legion for economic reasons but also because he wanted to move up in society. For this native of the Himalayas, the change
is extreme, having never seen the sea before his arrival in La Ciotat, he finds himself forced to learn a new language and a new culture. The first two phrases he learns are "yes, Corporal" and "no, Corporal", but behind his introverted demeanor lies an unshakeable determination.

Romain is a young Frenchman coming from a military family, who is determined to succeed and wear symbol of the Legion, the kepi. What is he hoping to find? Brotherhood, discipline and above all an opportunity to prove himself.

Alongside them is Mark, an American. He is hesitant and anxious with the idea of wearing the fatigues but like many candidates, the opportunity of a second chance is too good to
give up. For many of the recruits, they have travelled thousands of miles from their normal lives, leaving their friends and families behind, which is proof of the international reputation of the Foreign Legion. France is the only country to have such a corps.

Stripped bare, both literally and figuratively, these men start from scratch, learning a new language, new customs, without distinction of nationality or religion. As soon as they arrive at the recruitment centre in Aubagne, they are faced with grueling mental and physical obstacles, for weeks and weeks, until they receive their white kepis. Follow these recruits on their journey from the South of France to the Ivory Coast, where camaraderie and mutual aid are imperative in reaching their shared objective: the hope of a new life.

Film Info

Genre: Society, Documentary
Director: Damien Muratel
Production: French Connection Films / Les films du Chêne Rond
Year: 2022
Length: 52 minutes
Languages : French, English
Partners: French Film Board (CNC), France 3
Broadcasters: France 3, LCP-AN

For broadcast and distribution