Bilal (Firat Ayverdi), a young 17 year old Kurdish boy, has travelled through the Middle East and Europe to join his girlfriend, freshly immigrated 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. There he meets Simon (Vincent Lindon), a swimming instructor in the midst of a divorce. To impress his estranged wife (Audrey Dana) and win back her heart, Simon decides to risk everything by taking Bilal under his wing, and give him shelter and swimming lessons.

An ode to the abandoned immigrants trapped on the shores of Calais and the good Samaritans who take risks to help them, the ironically titled Welcome stars popular French actor Vincent Lindon (The Mustache - SFFF 2006 & Friday Night - SFFF 2003) as Simon and talented newcomer Firat Ayverdi as Bilal, in his first role. Although Simon and Bilal develop a sincere father-son relationship, Simon takes the risk of being arrested for helping an illegal immigrant.

Released in March 2009 in France after premiering at the Berlinale, Welcome has fueled many debates with its politically controversial stance. Unanimously critically acclaimed it also became a box-office success as was Lioret's previous film, Don't Worry I'm Fine.

Shown with La Leçon de natation (The Swimming Lesson) by Danny De Vent

Q&A with Kevin Elstob, Professor of French at CSUS, follows.