The film deals with the student of an elite school in Paris, who is supposed to do a period of practical training as prefect in the province. He is asked to arrange a commemoration for the deciding battle in World War I. During the preparations for the ceremony, an old African speaks to the student, because he wants to join the commemoration. He tells the young Student, what history books don't tell. During the deciding battle also 8000 Africans died at first front. Now the student has to decide: conscience or career. On this way the film tries to compensate for the suffering of the African people.