DESCRIPTION

An unforgettable film that received 10 nominations at the 2009 César Awards (French Academy Awards)

Starring Vincent Lindon and Firat Ayverdi

Bilal, a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee, has struggled his way through Europe for the last three months, trying to reunite with his girlfriend, who recently emigrated to England. But his journey comes to an abrupt halt when he is stopped by authorities in Calais, on the French side of the Channel. Left with no other alternatives, he decides to swim across. Bilal goes to the local swimming pool to train, where he meets Simon, a middle-aged swimming instructor in turmoil over his imminent divorce. Simon agrees to help Bilal, hoping to win back the affection of his wife, who does volunteer work helping immigrants. But what begins as a relationship based on self interest, develops into something much bigger than Simon could ever have imagined, as he too will ultimately risk everything to reach happiness.

FESTIVALS AND AWARDS

• 10 Nominations for 2009 César Awards (French Academy Awards), including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Music, Best Sound
• Winner, Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, 2009 Berlin International Film Festival
• Winner, Best Film, Lumiere Awards

TRAILER

READ REVIEWS

• Variety
• The Hollywood Reporter

ABOUT DIRECTOR PHILIPPE LIORET

Philippe Lioret has been writing and directing films in France since his 1993 debut, Lost in Transit. His 2006 film, Don't Worry, I'm Fine (Je vais bien, ne t'en fais pas) received 5 César nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. Mr. Lioret was nominated for Lumiere Awards in the categories of Best Director and Best Screenplay for WELCOME.

PRESS KIT for official use only

Click to Download
• Press Kit
• Film Still One
• Film Still Two
• Film Still Three

^ back to top
‹ back to film list
‹ back to schedule

SHOWTIMES

SAT. 03/27 at 4:00PM
Stockton Empire Theatre

$9.50 General
$8.50 Senior, Student
$7.50 Member

BUY TICKETS

SUN. 03/28 at 6:00PM
The State Theatre Modesto

$9.50 General
$8.50 Senior, Student
$7.50 Member

BUY TICKETS

CAST AND CREW

Director: Philippe Lioret
Screenwriter: Olivier Adam, Emmanuel Courcol, Philippe Lioret
Producer: Bertrand Faivre, Christophe Rossignon
Cinematographer: Laurent Dailland
Editor: Andrea Sedlàckovà
Music: William Flageollett
Principal Cast: Vincent Lindon, Firat Ayverdi, Audrey Dana, Derya Ayverdi

IMDB

PRINT SOURCE

Film Movement
www.filmmovement.com