Welcome

2009, 110 minutes

Bilal, a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee, has travelled thousands of miles through the Middle East and Europe to join his girlfriend, who lives in England. His journey comes to an abrupt end when he arrives in Calais, on the French side of the Channel. He decides to swim across the Channel, and goes to the local swimming pool to take lessons. There he meets Simon, a swimming instructor, who becomes his friend.

‘Welcome’ is both a harsh indictment of French immigration policy and a humane plea for tolerance by director Philippe Loiret.

Credits

Themes
Democracy and politics, Migration and refugees
Suitable for
havo/vwo - bovenbouw
mbo - niveau 1 & 2
mbo - niveau 3 & 4
vmbo b/k - leerjaar 3 & 4
vmbo t - leerjaar 3 & 4
Director
Philippe Lioret
Country of production
France
Type
Fiction
Duration
110 minutes
Year
2009
Age rating
12 angst grof taalgebruik