Film Movement Lands Cannes Winner "Illegal"

A scene from Olivier Masset-Depasse's "Illegal." [Photo courtesy of Film Movement]

The French and Russian language film, "Illegal," from director Olivier Masset-Depasse, which won the SACD Prize at this year's Cannes Director's Fortnight, has been picked up by Film Movement for North American distribution. The film will have a limited theatrical run, and will show on Cable VOD, based on a deal negotiated between Film Movement’s President Adley Gartenstein and François Yon of Films Distribution.

Depasse's drama follows Tania, a former teacher from Russia, who lives illegally in Belgium with her son. Tania is found out in a routine check by the police, and placed in an immigration detention center for women and children, where she fights to preserve her dignity and find her son.

"This is a timely and powerful film that puts a human face on the issue of immigrant rights," said Film Movement President Adley Gartenstein in statement. "We believe it’s an important movie for American audiences to see, and Anne Coesens gives a heart-wrenching performance that will certainly maintain the public riveted throughout."