First of all you need to know about me, that I’ve mostly watched movies from the ’60s-’70s, but I’ve recently discovered some impressive new films.

Welcome is a 2009 French film directed by Philippe Lioret. It stars Vincent Lindon and features Firat Ayverdi and Derya Ayverdi in their inaugural roles. The film was released on 11 March 2009 in France. The director wanted to highlight the plight of illegal immigrants living in Calais, France, and their plans to reach the United Kingdom meeting activists and associations trying to help the refugees.

Simon Calmat (Vincent Lindon) and Bilal Kayani (Firat Ayverdi)

Bilal is 17 years old, a Kurdish boy from Iraq. He sets off on an adventure-filled, cruled journey across Europe. He wants to get to England to see his love who lives there with her parents. Bilal finally reaches Calais, but how do you cover 32 kilometers of the English Channel when you can’t swim? A French swimming coach, Simon Calmat tries to help the young Iraqi-Kurdish illegal immigrant with swimming lessons… You must watch this movie!