Algerian Djaffar Gacem, director/producer of the drama “Héliopolis,” said both French and Algerian historians have brought their perspectives to the history of colonial Algeria — and that includes the Sétif and Guelma massacre on May 8, 1945, the day the end of World War II was announced. The event triggered demonstrations by Algerians against the French colonial power and led to a bloody massacre in the streets of Algerian cities and regions.