L'estelada de Verdun

For years, a man collects hundreds of written letters and thousands of photographs that portray the story of a handful of men who fought for four years in World War I. Volunteers writing letters from the trenches. Combatants in a dozen battles with one foot in the grave. Who are they? How many are there? This documentary, an original production of Televisió de Catalunya made by “Sense ficció,” reveals their story.

Directed by Felip Solé, L'estelada de Verdun leans on a strong ensemble — Joan Massotkleiner — 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 2014.