Illegal

Winner of the SACD Prize in the Director’s Fortnight competition at Cannes Film Festival and the Belgian entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. 

Battles for mercy and humanity are brought to a head in this revealing drama on immigrant rights.  Tania (Anne Coesens), a Russian illegally living in Belgium with her son for the past eight years, is now threatened with deportation.  Locked in detention indefinitely, she shows determination and dignity in her struggle to regain her humanity and be reunited with her child. 

Coesens illustrates immense talent and skillful restraint in this demanding role, while agitated camerawork brings Tania's panicked state to the forefront.  As it tackles the hot-button issues of immigration policy and reform, this exceptional film by award-winning writer/director Oliver Masset-Depasse is critical viewing for all festivalgoers.

Print Source: Film Movement, Rebeca Conget, rebeca@filmmovement.com