Of Gods and Men 15

Xavier Beauvois’ powerful and moving film, based on a true story, explores the life of a small community of Christian monks, caught in the middle of a conflict between a government and the extremist terrorist groups that wanted to overthrow it. 

The monks live peacfully with their Muslim neighbours in the hills outside Algiers. They are forced to make a tough decision - stay in the monastery and risk being killed, or return to France to save their own lives. To begin with the monks are divided, but after much soul searching they decide to make a stand to protect the locals and spread the message of peace.

Based on a true story, this is an extraordinary tale of courage, faith and friendship.

"With Of Gods and Men, his (Beauvois') time for wider recognition has surely come, this thoughtful but urgent piece showing that Beauvois has matured into a masterly director with tight, calm control of his material."
Screen Daily

"Xavier Beauvois's Cannes winner is a spellbinder drama about courage and faith and a fascinating take on global extremism."
Empire Magazine

Grand Jury Prize – Cannes Film Festival 2010

French submission – 2011 Foreign Language Oscar