Io capitano
Io capitano
Io capitano is a 2023 drama directed by Matteo Garrone, a co‑production of Italy, Belgium and France. Inspired by real stories of African migrants trying to reach Europe, the film follows two teenage cousins from Dakar who dream of a better life in Italy.
Plot in brief
Seydou and Moussa leave Dakar despite warnings and travel through Mali, the Sahara and Libya. Their journey is dangerous and full of hardship: they face border bribes, violent smugglers, and even a slave‑like escape in a remote estate. After much struggle, Seydou eventually helps Moussa escape and, with the help of a fixer, boards a risky Mediterranean crossing to Sicily. When a coast‑guard helicopter appears near the Italian shore, Seydou shouts “Io capitano!” as the fate of the group remains uncertain.
Production
The film was shot in Senegal, Morocco and Italy, with a budget around €11 million. Lead actors Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall are from Dakar. The screenplay, written by Garrone with Massimo Gaudioso, Massimo Ceccherini and Andrea Tagliaferri, draws on stories by African emigrants. The runtime is 121 minutes, and the dialogues include Wolof and French.
Release and reception
Io capitano premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 6, 2023, where it earned the Silver Lion for Garrone’s direction and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Seydou Sarr. It opened in Italy on September 7, 2023, with later releases in France (January 3, 2024) and Belgium (January 10, 2024). The film also screened in the United States (February 23, 2024) and the United Kingdom (April 5, 2024). Critics praised its emotional impact, cinematography and focus on the human stories behind migration. Rotten Tomatoes reported 96% positive reviews, and Metacritic gave it 79/100.
Accolades
Io capitano won seven David di Donatello awards, including Best Film, and received nominations for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes and Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. A special Vatican screening occurred on September 14, 2023, with the director and cast in attendance.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 12:07 (CET).