Simon (Vincent Lindon) is a swimming instructor who befriends Bilal (Firat Ayverdi), a young Iraqi Kurd trying to reach London to be with his fiancé. Unfortunately Bilal lacks the required documentation, so it looks like he might have to swim the channel. This is the scenario for "Welcome", the Magnetic Island Film Society's movie of the month screening at the All Seasons hotel this Saturday night.

"This provocative film depicts a modern-day migration dilemma in a vision of Fortress Europe - here embodied by a gloomy, rain-soaked Callais - that's paranoid and unforgiving.

"Writer-director Philippe Lioret has made a film about what happens to an ordinary man touched by a stranger in extraordinary circumstances. Simon moves from indifference to passionate engagement, and just how far that shift is can be seen in the reaction of his ex-wife, a refugee advocate who always criticised him for his political apathy. By creating a protagonist who is moved by a human connection and not detached ideological conviction, the film's invitation to imagine what we would do in Simon's shoes is compelling indeed."
Review by Jason Di Rosso MovieTime (ABC)

Film details:
Cast: Vincent Lindon, Audrey Dana, Firat Ayverdi, Derya Ayverdi, Thierry Godard, Selim Akgul, Firat Selik, Murat Subasi, Olivier Rabourdin, Mouafaq Rushdie, Behi Djanati Atai

Script: Philippe Lioret, Olivier Adam, Emmanuel Courcol

Running time: 109 mins
 

Language: French

Classification: M

MI Film Society Screening details:
Screening at the Endeavour Room 'all seasons' Hotel, 61 Mandalay Ave Nelly Bay – Refreshments at Macarthurs Restaurant & Bar.
Screening 8 pm First Saturday of the Month
Please be early so we may start PROMPTLY at 8.00 pm
Admission: Adults $10.00 Conc. $8.00
Members Free
Annual membership $50.00 Conc.
$40.00 Annual membership includes admission for one calendar year (10/11 screenings) & discount to the Film Festival. Half-yearly also available.