Fabrice Benchaouche

When he sets foot on Algerian soil, Jamel, a French archaeologist of Algerian origin, comes to excavate the magnificent Roman ruins of the village of Timgad. The past unfolds before him, and the present catches up with him when he is thrust into the role of coach of the local soccer team, "La Juventus de Timgad." Kids juggling a meager daily existence, with no jerseys or shoes, but dribbling with talent. Between ancient ruins and the scars of recent struggles, Jamel discovers on this field the tortuous roots and young shoots of an Algeria that dreams of reconciliation...and soccer championship.

When he sets foot on Algerian soil, Jamel, a French archaeologist of Algerian origin, comes to excavate the magnificent Roman ruins of the village of Timgad. The past unfolds before him, and the present catches up with him when he is thrust into the role of coach of the local soccer team, "La Juventus de Timgad." Kids juggling a meager daily existence, with no jerseys or shoes, but dribbling with talent. Between ancient ruins and the scars of recent struggles, Jamel discovers on this field the tortuous roots and young shoots of an Algeria that dreams of reconciliation...and soccer championship.