Welcome
A smoothly crafted, emotionally affecting drama driven by powerful performances, WELCOME focuses on illegal immigrants trying to reach England from Calais, and the risk taken by the French people who help them. Bilal, age 17, left his native Iraq shortly after his girlfriend emigrated to England, and he is now in the midst of an adventurous journey across Europe in order to see her again. However, his trek comes to an abrupt end on the northern coast of France when he reaches the busiest waterway in the world, the wintry English Channel. Could Bilal join the number of bold swimmers who attempt the frosty crossing? The boy decides to head for the local swimming pool to begin training. There he meets lifeguard Simon, to whom he eventually confides his grand plan. Simon takes Bilal under his wing and secretly teaches the young Kurdish refugee how to do the crawl despite ongoing threats from the police who imprison those who aid illegal immigrants.
Sponsors:
Consulate General of France, San Francisco, TV5 Monde
Cast & Crew
Director: Philippe Lioret
Producer: Christophe Rossignon
Editor: Andrea Sedlácková
Screenwriter: Philippe Lioret, Emmanuel Courcol, Olivier Adam
Cinematographer: Laurent Dailland
Awards: Berlin International Film Festival 2009 (Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, Label Europa Cinemas)
Music: Nicola Piovani, Wojciech Kilar, Armand Amar
Principal Cast: Vincent Lindon, Firat Ayverdi, Audrey Dana, Derya Ayverdi, Thierry Godard, Selim Akgül
Filmography: Don’t Worry I’m Fine (2006); The Light (2003); Mademoiselle (2000); Tenue correcte exigée (1997); Lost in Transit (1993)
World Sales: Films Distribution
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(5 reviews)
user reviews
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Terrific look at the human drama of illegal immigration, May 24, 2009
By Stephen McAdoo
“Strong performances, gripping script. The story of an ordinary man who puts aside his own problems to help another with challenges beyond any he's ever imagined. The point at which he compares the measures the young refugee takes for love to what he wouldn't do for his own is truly moving. A”
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WOW, Jun 03, 2009
By Jason Eckelman
“I think the above review is quite good, and don't have to much to add, except to say that this movie really blew me away. The acting, casting & pacing were all damn near perfect. I liked this movie very, very much. ”
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A beautiful film, Jun 03, 2009
By Glen McCarthy
“I loved everything about this movie. The two main characters are remarkable. Very moving.”
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loved it!, Jun 04, 2009
By Sara Barz
“This was a beautiful film. The story: captivating, the cinematography: elegant, the characters: authentic. Plus, I learned so much about immigrants traveling across Europe. I had no idea Calais has become such a refugee-area. Why does London, as opposed to Paris or Berlin, attract these”
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A different take on immigration, Jun 12, 2009
By Sean Enright
“Welcome is a warm and moving film that avoids the usual tropes about illegal immigration. It's a lot like a shinier, happier Dardenne brothers story - the audience remains optimistic no matter how hopeless things feel for the characters, but not once is the emotional weight of the premise”
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