TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

7:00PM: Cinema Chat with Andy, Auditorium 4

7:10PM: Introduction, Auditorium 4

7:15PM: Introduction, Auditorium 5

7:30PM: WELCOME Auditoriums 4 & 5

Discussion will follow screening in Auditorium 4

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Winner, Grand Prize, Heartland Film Festival,

Winner, Audience Award, Warsaw International Film Festival

WELCOME

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 so he can reunite with his girlfriend, who recently emigrated to England. But his journey comes to an abrupt halt when he is stopped in Calais, on the French side of the Channel. Deciding to swim across, Bilal goes to the local swimming pool to train, where he meets Simon, (Vincent Lindon), a middle-aged swimming instructor in turmoil over his imminent divorce.

Despite their differences, the two men discover that they have much in common, and a strong bond emerges between them. Simon takes Bilal under his wing, realizing that he too must risk everything to reach happiness.

Running Time: 109 Minutes; Rated TBA

PLEASE NOTE: WELCOME is in French, English and Kurdish with English subtitles