A 24 Images - France 3 Ouest coproduction: / Broadcast: France 3 Ouest
50 minutes - 2004
In 1965, at the instigation of the employers of Sarthe, a centre/hostel for men was constructed in Le Mans to house the new immigrant labour force coming from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal.
They arrived in France when they were 18-20 years old, without really intending to stay back and they did not get their families to come over. Temporariness soon became their way of life. 30, 40 years of this life with a yearly to and fro trip back home for about two months.
A job in France, a family back home.
In 2003, the centre became the Nelson Mandela Social Residence, funded by public authorities. Old men, either unemployed or retired.
“The only place where I feel at home, is in the plane” Mohamed L.
