"Indigènes," also known as "Days of Glory," is a poignant war drama set during World War II that highlights the often-overlooked contributions of North African soldiers to the French military effort. The film follows a group of Algerian, Moroccan, and Tunisian soldiers who fight for France, seeking recognition and equality while grappling with the harsh realities of war and colonialism. As they face the brutalities of battle, the soldiers also confront the discrimination and neglect they experience from their own countrymen. Through their journey, "Indigènes" sheds light on themes of identity, sacrifice, and the quest for dignity, ultimately culminating in a powerful statement about the legacy of colonialism and the fight for justice.

Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Days of Glory?

Directed by Rachid Bouchareb, with Jamel Debbouze, Samy Naceri, Roschdy Zem leading the cast, Days of Glory was produced by Tessalit Productions with a confirmed budget of $14,500,000, placing it in the low-budget category for drama films.

At $14,500,000, Days of Glory was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $36,250,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• A Dangerous Method (2011): Budget $15,000,000 | Gross $27,462,041 → ROI: 83% • Ben-Hur (1959): Budget $15,000,000 | Gross $164,000,000 → ROI: 993% • Beyond Skyline (2017): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $992,181 → ROI: -93% • Land of the Dead (2005): Budget $15,000,000 | Gross $47,074,133 → ROI: 214% • Rust and Bone (2012): Budget $15,400,000 | Gross $25,762,027 → ROI: 67%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.

▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.

▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Jamel Debbouze, Samy Naceri, Roschdy Zem, Sami Bouajila, Bernard Blancan Key roles: Jamel Debbouze as Saïd Otmari; Samy Naceri as Yassir; Roschdy Zem as Messaoud Souni; Sami Bouajila as Abdelkader

DIRECTOR: Rachid Bouchareb CINEMATOGRAPHY: Patrick Blossier MUSIC: Armand Amar EDITING: Yannick Kergoat PRODUCTION: Tessalit Productions, France 2 Cinéma, France 3 Cinéma, StudioCanal, SCOPE Invest, Tassili Films, Versus Production, Kissfilms, Taza Productions, La Petite Reine FILMED IN: Algeria, Belgium, France, Morocco

Box Office Performance

Days of Glory earned $320,700 domestically and $22,643,001 internationally, for a worldwide total of $22,963,701. International markets drove the majority of revenue (99%), indicating strong global appeal.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Days of Glory needed approximately $36,250,000 to break even. The film fell $13,286,299 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $22,963,701 Budget: $14,500,000 Net: $8,463,701 ROI: 58.4%