Welcome (2009)

Kernel Score: 78% · 256 ratings

Genres: Drama, Romance

Released: 2009-03-11

Runtime: 110 minutes

Where to watch Welcome

  • Free with ads: Kanopy

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Bilal is 17 years old, a Kurdish boy from Iraq. He sets off on an adventure-filled journey across Europe. He wants to get to England to see his love who lives there. Bilal finally reaches Calais, but how do you cover 32 kilometers of the English Channel when you can't swim? The boy soon discovers that his trip won't be as easy as he imagined... The community of struggling illegal aliens in Calais

Welcome parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Welcome is a French drama about a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee trying to reach England by crossing the English Channel illegally.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Focuses on the hardships of illegal immigration rather than depicted violence.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

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Director

Philippe Lioret

Cast

  • Vincent Lindon as Simon
  • Firat Ayverdi as Bilal
  • Audrey Dana as Marion
  • Olivier Rabourdin as Le lieutenant de police
  • Derya Ayverdi as Mîna
  • Yannick Renier as Alain
  • Thierry Godard as Bruno
  • Jean-Paul Comart as Le gradé chez Simon
  • Fırat Çelik as Koban
  • Mehmet Selim Akgul as Zoran

Welcome FAQ

Is Welcome good?

Welcome has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 256 audience ratings.

Where can I watch Welcome?

In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy.

Is Welcome OK for kids?

Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Welcome is a French drama about a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee trying to reach England by crossing the English Channel illegally.

What movies are like Welcome?

If you liked Welcome, try Life in a Year, Purple Hearts, The Good Lie and Souleymane's Story.