FC Metz, The Garnet Heart of Lorraine

FC Metz represents a 35-year run in Ligue 1, winning two Coupe de France titles and one Coupe de la Ligue. The club is inextricably linked to the history of Lorraine: the first players came from mining families and were deeply committed to representing their region, a sentiment only strengthened by the annexation of Moselle by Germany between 1940 and 1945. Then, in 1984, the Coupe de France victory against Monaco brought to the forefront the battles to save Lorraine's steel industry, a battle that ultimately proved futile. Finally, in 1998, the club made a lasting impression by finishing second in the French Championship. Through the accounts of former players and key coaches, we discover the history of FC Metz, its unforgettable moments, its highs and lows. The archive images take us back to the times of Patrick Battiston, the goalkeeper André Rey, the duo Nico Braun - Hugo Curioni, Jules Bocandé and Jean-Paul Bernad, the "PP gunslingers" Robert Pirès and Cyrille Pouget.

Directed by Maurice Ferlet, FC Metz, The Garnet Heart of Lorraine leans on a strong ensemble — Franck Ribéry, Philippe Hinschberger, Robert Pirès — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2015.