Four former French top officials, including a government minister, have issued a joint statement ahead of the release of a feature film about the 1988 Ouvea massacre in New Caledonia.
The four state that they want to avoid any possible confusion, saying the film, whose English title is Rebellion, is a work of fiction and not a reconstruction of facts.
The movie by Mathieu Kassovitz is based on a book by Philippe Legorjus, who was in charge of the police force when it attacked and killed 19 Kanaks on Ouvea to free 20 officers held hostage.
The former minister, Bernard Pons, says he has seen the film with indignation, sadness and astonishment.
New Caledonia's only cinema operator has refused to screen the movie which will be released in just under two weeks.
It was filmed in French Polynesia following objections to it in New Caledonia.
