Io Capitano – REVIEW

There are constant news reports about African boat people who illegally set foot on European soil, skipping the queues, and not going through the proper channels. Many westerners may believe it’s the easy way of gaining entry into another country.

Io Capitano disproves this theory highlighting the peril these impoverished people encounter, many losing their lives as they travel from Africa to Europe for new beginnings and a better life for themselves and their families.

Inspired by actual stories as told by migrants who successfully travelled to Europe, this movie is extremely confronting, heart wrenching and thought provoking.

Seydou and his cousin Moussa decide to leave Dakar, Senegal in search of a new life in Europe with the dream of making it big in the music world, having white man ask for their autographs.

Innocent and stubborn, their judgment is clouded, ignoring advice not to embark on this journey from the elders in the village and their parents. They purchase fake passports and believe the rest of the journey will be trouble-free and effortless.

They quickly discover how wrong they were, as they experience one misadventure after the other, at times believing they would pay for their decision to relocate with their lives.

A dangerous trip through the Sahara Desert, encounters with rebel groups, corrupt border patrol officers and police, time spent in a rat ridden prison and being sold in human trafficking rings are just a few of the predicaments they encounter.

This movie was directed by Matteo Garrone and stars Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall in the pivotal roles.

Powerful, highly emotional and unsettling viewing, it’s compounded by the realistic performances of both these breakout actors and sensitive audiences may be shocked at what transpires on the screen.

The thought that many viewers may have once the movie ends is that there is much more to the story. Their new life in another country, the hardships and challenges that await them would make interesting viewing – perhaps in a sequel?

Filmed in Italy, Morocco and notably in the beautiful landscapes of Senegal this award-winning movie was nominated for Best International Feature at this year’s Academy Awards.

After watching this gripping movie with many dark moments, audiences should see these “boat people” in a different light when reading of another tragedy that befalls them on their anticipated journey to the”‘country of riches”.

★★★★

In Cinemas March 28