Matteo Garrone's 'Io Capitano' is making waves across the African continent as it gains traction in movie theaters. This immigration epic, which has been nominated for an Oscar, is set to embark on a tour in villages in Senegal as part of the Cinemovel initiative. Directed by Garrone himself, 'Io Capitano' dives into the gripping journey of Seydou and Moussa, two young African men who embark on a perilous voyage from Dakar to Europe. This powerful film sheds light on their struggles through the vast deserts, the horrors of Libyan detention centers, and the dangers of crossing the treacherous seas.
The African rollout of 'Io Capitano' began in Moroccan cinemas in January, followed by screenings in Tunisia, Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Guinea, Mali, and Togo. With over 400 movie theaters in 15 African territories, the film has already reached approximately 5,500 admissions, according to the distributor, Pathé BC. Additionally, the film has been shown in schools in Dakar, highlighting its potential for educational impact.
In April, an exciting new development will see the introduction of a Cinemovel van equipped for temporary screenings of 'Io Capitano' to travel through Senegal. The screenings are scheduled to take place in the suburbs and villages near Dakar, as well as in the cities of Thiès, Mboro, Kolda, Sédhiou, and Ziguinchor. These public screenings aim to engage Senegalese schools and communities and serve as a powerful tool to initiate discussions about the topic of migration, particularly with younger generations. Notably, director Matteo Garrone and the actors who portray Seydou and Moussa in the film, Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall, will attend the Cinemovel screenings.
'Io Capitano' began its journey at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the best director prize and the best emerging actor award for Seydou Sarr. It later claimed the best European film award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival. The film premiered in Africa at the Marrakech International Film Festival and also featured at the Annaba Mediterranean Film Festival in Algeria and Morocco's Tetouan Mediterranean Film Festival. As if these achievements weren't enough, 'Io Capitano' has also been nominated for Best International Film at this year's Oscars. Cohen Media Group plans to release the film in the United States on February 23.
This Italy-Belgium co-production, produced by Archimede, RAI Cinema, Tarantula, Pathé, and Logical Content Ventures, continues to captivate audiences around the world with its compelling narrative and powerful storytelling. 'Io Capitano' serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the migrant experience, shedding light on the challenges and sacrifices that individuals endure in their pursuit of a better life.
