The movie is based on the actual story of Françoise Claustre, who was taken hostage in Chad by the rebel nomadic tribes of Toubous and Anakasas. She was held captive for almost three years, from April 1974 to January 1977. Two other persons were captured with her: Christoph Staewen (who was rapidly liberated against ransom) and Marc Combe (who escaped in May 1975). Two other persons were captured later on: Commander Galopin (who tried to liberate Françoise, but was captured in August 1974 and executed in April 1975) and Pierre Claustre (Françoise's husband, who tried to negotiate and was captured in August 1975). Françoise and Pierre Claustre were liberated together against ransom and after negotiation.

Referenced in Afriques: Comment ça va avec la douleur? (1996)