Directed by Italian Master Gianni Amelio

Albert Camus died in a car accident in 1960 at the young age of 46. The unfinished novel 'The First Man,' discovered in his bag at the time, was published 30 years later in 1994, becoming a bestseller in France with over 600,000 copies sold.

'The First Man,' which Camus himself predicted would be 'my greatest masterpiece,' is a clear autobiography, set in a writer living in France returning to his homeland Algeria during its war of independence. The publication of this posthumous work was a significant event, offering insight into the origins of Camus's creative process.

In anticipation of Camus's 100th birthday in 2013, the film adaptation of this unfinished magnum opus was realized by Italian master Gianni Amelio. Amelio, who has consistently explored themes of coexistence with others, addressing issues of immigration, poverty, and discrimination in his Cannes Film Festival Jury Grand Prix winner 'The Stolen Kiss,' and the coexistence with children with disabilities in his Venice Film Festival triple award winner 'The House of Smiles,' now tackles Camus's worldview.

The cast includes French actor Jacques Gamblin, who also appeared in Shohei Imamura's 'Dr. Akagi,' as Jacques Cormery, Camus's alter ego. Catherine Frot plays Jacques's mother, and Italian actress Maya Sansa portrays the young mother, among other acclaimed performers.

What Did the Writer Discover on His Journey to a Distant Homeland?

Summer 1957. Writer Jacques Cormery visits Algeria, where his elderly mother lives alone. This land, a French territory, is embroiled in intense conflict between Algerians seeking independence and the French. Despite this, his mother continues her life as usual, delighted by her son's return. The blue of the Mediterranean remains as it was. Inevitably, his mind drifts back to his childhood days.

His French father died young. His mother, who worked tirelessly to raise Cormery under difficult circumstances, his strict grandmother, his good-natured uncle – none of them could read. Cormery recalls his teacher who guided him toward literature, his Algerian classmate, and many other memories. At the same time, he witnesses the intense independence conflict and realizes how drastically the current situation has diverged from that time.──.

'The First Man' embodies Camus's wish for coexistence with others, his empathy for the poor and vulnerable, and his consistent stance against violent solutions. Witness the light and wind of Algeria, the stirrings of a people seeking freedom. We hope you will witness the new world the writer discovered on his journey to a distant homeland.

'The First Man'

Opening December 15 (Saturday) at Iwanami Hall and other theaters nationwide

Director & Screenplay│Gianni Amelio

Cast│Jacques Gamblin, Catherine Frot, Maya Sansa, Denis Podalydès, Ulla Boje

Distribution│Zazi Films

2011 / France, Italy, Algeria / 105 minutes