Fort Saganne

Fort Saganne is a 1984 French war film directed by Alain Corneau and starring Gérard Depardieu, Philippe Noiret, Catherine Deneuve, and Sophie Marceau. Based on the 1980 novel of the same name by Louis Gardel, the film is about a soldier of humble beginnings who volunteers for service in the Sahara in 1911. After falling in love with the beautiful young daughter of the regional administrator, he is ordered to go on missions in the desert, where he engages in several successful campaigns and experiences severe loneliness. Later, while on a diplomatic mission to Paris, he has a brief affair with a journalist. Returning to Africa, he leads a gallant defense against a feared sultan and is awarded the Legion of Honour medal. He returns to his home a national hero and marries the young girl he has not forgotten, but their happiness is interrupted by the onset of World War I.

Fort Saganne was screened out of competition at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival. At the time of its production, Fort Saganne was France's biggest-budget film. The film earned 2,157,767 admissions in France. In 1985, the film was nominated for four César Awards, for Best Actor (Gérard Depardieu), Best Cinematography (Bruno Nuytten), Best Costume Design (Corinne Jorry, Rosine Delamare), and Best Sound.