For the first time, Mohamed Hamidi did not start from an original idea to conceive his film but from a Argentinian film “El ciudadano ilustre” which he adapted for his story. If in the latter the intrigue develops between Spain and Argentina, that of “Honorary Citizen” moves between France and Algeria. But both tell the story of a man who returns to his native country. A return to basics not so simple!
Samir Amin, the main character of “Honorary Citizen”, is a satisfied writer, Nobel Prize for literature, who lives in Paris, far from his native country, Algeria. He systematically refuses all the invitations made to him. Until the day he decides to accept to be made “Honorary Citizen” of Sidi Mimoun, the small town where he was born. But is it really a good idea to see the inhabitants of this city again, who have become, year after year, the characters of his various novels?
Mohamed Hamidi has wrote the screenplay in full Hirak, the Algerian movement against Bouteflika’s fifth candidacy and he used to mirror the militant youth of his character. He shows this country with all its richesits potential, its hopes but also all its faults: an authoritarian power and a youth that is not heard.