Directed by:
Philippe LioretCinematography:
Laurent DaillandComposer:
Nicola PiovaniCast:
Vincent Lindon, Firat Ayverdi, Audrey Dana, Derya Ayverdi, Olivier Rabourdin, Behi Djanati Atai, Jacques Herlin, Jean-Paul Comart, Thierry Godard (more)Plots(1)
Welcome is an emotionally affecting drama about intersecting lives, unlikely friendships and the hope of new beginnings. Bilal (Firat Ayverdi), a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee, has spent the last three months of his life traveling across Europe in an attempt to reunite with his girlfriend who recently emigrated to England. But his journey comes to an abrupt end when he is stopped on the French side of the Channel. Having decided to swim across, Bilal goes to the local swimming pool to train. It is here he meets Simon (Vincent Lindon), a middle-aged swimming instructor, who is privately reeling in turmoil as he dreads an imminent divorce from his wife (Audrey Dana). Despite their differences, the two men discover that they have much in common, and a strong bond emerges between them. Simon decides to take Bilal under his wing, realizing that he too must risk everything to reach the other side of happiness. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
César Awards
- 2010 - Best Film
- 2010 - Philippe Lioret (Best Director)
- 2010 - Vincent Lindon (Best Actor)
- 2010 - Audrey Dana (Best Supporting Actress)
- 2010 - Firat Ayverdi (Most Promising Actor)
- 2010 - Emmanuel Courcol, Olivier Adam, Philippe Lioret (Best Original Screenplay)
- 2010 - Nicola Piovani (Best Original Music)
- 2010 - Best Sound
- 2010 - Laurent Dailland (Best Cinematography)
- 2010 - Best Editing
Warsaw International Film Festival
- 2009 - Philippe Lioret (Audience Award - Feature)