IO CAPITANO

ITALY

Director: Matteo Garrone

Cast: Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall, Issaka Sawagodo, Hichem Yacoubi, Doodou Sagna, Khady Sy, Bamar Kane, Cheick Oumar Diaw

Genre: Drama, Adventure, Coming of Age

121 minutes: Wolof, French with English subtitles – 2023

Rating: 16 LV

Inspired both by true stories and myth, Io Capitano takes us on a moving contemporary odyssey as two teenage boys abandon their families in Senegal to pursue a dream of a better life in Europe.  This grand adventure through the multiple dangers of desert and sea tests their ambitions, their maturity, and their courage, becoming at times a struggle for survival. Despite the perils along the way Io Capitano is ultimately a journey of hope and heroism.

With a stand-out performance by the young Seydou Sarr in particular, Io Capitano  is directed by Cannes Grand Prix winner, Matteo Garrone (Tale of Tales, Gomorra, Dogman, and Pinocchio).  After winning the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival, then garnering a remarkable 7 wins at Italy’s annual David di Donatello Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Actor, Io Capitano went on to earn an Oscar nomination at the 2024 Academy Awards.  An epic story that offers a deeply human perspective on the migrant crisis, Io Capitano  is, in Garrone’s own words; “an attempt to finally give voice to those who don’t usually have one.”

A riveting examination of big dreams and childhood innocence colliding with harsh realities and uncomfortable truths.

Todd Jorgenson, Cinemalogue

This is storytelling at its most visceral, painted on a broad canvas.  In a year when all five Oscar contenders for International Film are so worthy, this one captured my heart

Leonard Maltin, leonardmaltin.com

Io Capitano takes a news story that’s mostly about numbers, and puts a human face on it.

Michael O’Sullivan, Washington Post

 At turns powerful, poignant and heart-wrenchingly raw, Io Capitano is quite unlike anything else you will see this year.

Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun Australia

Io Capitano is an astonishing achievement – something unbreakable and defiantly alive is being shown here.

Graeme Tuckett, Stuff.co.nz

This journey, full of surprises and strong emotions, exposes the harsh realities of racism, exploitation, and inhumanity, while also providing a lesson in courage, humility, and humanism. 

Filipe Freitas, Always Good Movies