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Io Capitano

Play trailer 1:25 Poster for Io Capitano 2024 2h 2m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 112 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
In this acclaimed film which won top directing and acting prizes at the Venice Film Festival, writer-director Garrone presents a "reverse shot" of the immigration experience while unfurling an epic, cinematographically magnificent odyssey from West Africa to Italy. The story is told through the mind’s eye and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who yearn for a brighter future in Europe. Yet between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a labyrinth of checkpoints, the scorched Saharan desert, a fetid North African prison and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have died packed inside vessels barely fit for passage.
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Io Capitano

Io Capitano

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Critics Consensus

A journey toward hope, Io Capitano perambulates through the ravishing Saharan landscape encountering the most sublime and debased corners of humanity.

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Critics Reviews

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Jason Anderson Sight & Sound Dec 31, 2025
The film is also rescued from its more precious and sentimental excesses by the power and complexity of Sarr’s central performance. Go to Full Review Wendy Ide Observer (UK) Apr 7, 2024
4/5
This is a film that, for all its brutal horrors, keeps a kernel of hope and faith in the inherent decency of humankind (or some of it at least). Go to Full Review Danny Leigh Financial Times Apr 4, 2024
4/5
The film makes brilliant if often harrowing cinema. But Garrone’s boldest strokes are also subtle. Go to Full Review Clotilde Chinnici Movie Marker Jul 27, 2025
4/5
Overall, it feels like the film plays it too safe to please its mostly Western audience who can sit comfortably in their cinemas and watch Io Capitano without having to feel guilty about the actions of their own countries. Go to Full Review Samantha Schuster Cinéfilo Serial Jul 18, 2025
3.5/5
A story full of tension and emotion, which strikes a great balance between depicting human misery and the bright side of life. Strong performances from young non-professionals and a well-executed production round out this film. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Anna Hoang Boston Hassle Jul 14, 2025
3/5
The lens of an Italian director and co-writer this story is wont for suspicion, but the endeavors in tailoring this story to the African immigrant experience is admirable. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alessandro Apr 1, 2024 An epic journey of incredible strength, a necessary tale for our time See more lawrence m Mar 4, 2024 Extremely poignant and superbly acted. See more Roy J Feb 29, 2024 They come here illegally because they don't have a legal way. The illegal way is harder and risky, nobody wants to do this, but they have no choice. Beautiful movie, love the ending. See more Film Buff Feb 25, 2024 Utery harrowing and heartbreaking story of the trials and tribulations of migration from Africa to Europe. See more Nadir Feb 24, 2024 Very heart breaking to see such a treacherous journey. See more Elene N @RT17590265 Sep 22, 2026 Wonderful and heartbreaking film. We are one ❤️ Was it the Tinariween playing their music at some point? See more Read all reviews
Io Capitano

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Cast & Crew

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Matteo Garrone

Director

Seydou Sarr

Seydou

Moustapha Fall

Moussa

Issaka Sawagodo

Martin

Hichem Yacoubi

Ahmed

Doodou Sagna

Charlatan

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Io Capitano

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Io Capitano

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this acclaimed film which won top directing and acting prizes at the Venice Film Festival, writer-director Garrone presents a "reverse shot" of the immigration experience while unfurling an epic, cinematographically magnificent odyssey from West Africa to Italy. The story is told through the mind’s eye and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who yearn for a brighter future in Europe. Yet between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a labyrinth of checkpoints, the scorched Saharan desert, a fetid North African prison and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have died packed inside vessels barely fit for passage.
Director
Matteo Garrone
Producer
Paolo Del Brocco, Matteo Garrone
Screenwriter
Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso, Massimo Ceccherini, Andrea Tagliaferri
Distributor
Cohen Media Group
Production Co
Archimede, RAI Cinema, Pathé Films, Tarantula
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Wolof
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 23, 2024, Limited
Runtime
2h 2m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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