Premiere - Io Capitano : an exclusive Allocine Screening with the main cast

By Mulder, Paris, Forum des Images, 12 december 2023

The Forum des Images was abuzz with anticipation as Allocine presented an exclusive screening of the critically acclaimed film Io Capitano. Directed by Matteo Garrone, the drama had garnered attention at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where it competed for the Golden Lion and won accolades for Garrone's direction and Seydou Sarr's outstanding performance.

The screening, which took place tonight, was a momentous occasion, with a star-studded lineup including Matteo Garrone, director and writer, Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall, lead actors from the movie, and other key members of the cast and crew. The film, released in Italy on September 7, 2023, has been Italy's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.

Io Capitano is a poignant drama based on the stories of emigration from Africa to Europe, inspired by real-life experiences of individuals such as Kouassi Pli Adama Mamadou, Arnaud Zohin, Amara Fofana, Brhane Tareke, and Siaka Doumbia. The film explores the challenges faced by migrants and presents their journey not merely as a setting but as an almost mythical goal.

The production of Io Capitan was a multinational collaboration involving Archimede, Rai Cinema, Tarantula, Pathé, and Logical Content Ventures. With a budget of approximately €11.2 million, the film was shot in Dakar, Senegal, as well as Morocco and Italy, spanning a 13-week production period.

Matteo Garrone's directorial prowess was highlighted at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where the film received a standing ovation lasting 13 minutes during its premiere. The acclaim continued with a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 13 reviews.

Notably, the film's premiere at the Vatican on September 14, 2023, added a unique dimension to its journey. Matteo Garrone and the cast were granted an audience with Pope Francis at his Domus Sanctae Marthae residence, underlining the film's societal and cultural impact.

As Allocine hosted this special screening at the Forum des Images, the event provided a unique opportunity for the audience to engage in a Q&A session with the director, writer, and key cast members. The success of Io Capitano not only lies in its artistic achievement but also in its ability to spark important conversations about immigration, identity, and the human experience.

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page

Synopsis :
Seydou and Moussa, two 16-year-old Senegalese boys, decide to leave their homeland for Europe. But along the way, their hopes and dreams of a better life are quickly dashed by the dangers of the journey. Their only weapon in this odyssey is their humanity.

Io capitano
Directed by Matteo Garrone
Written by Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso, Massimo Ceccherini, Andrea Tagliaferri
Produced by Matteo Garrone, Paolo Del Brocco
Starring  Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall
Cinematography : Paolo Carnera
Edited by Marco Spoletini
Music by Andrea Farri
Production companies : Archimede, Rai Cinema, Tarantula, Pathé, Logical Content Ventures, RTBF, VOO, BE TV, Proximus, Shelter Prod
Distributed by 01 Distribution (Italy), Pathe (France)
Release dates : 6 September 2023 (Venice), 7 September 2023 (Italy), January 3 2024 (France)
Running time : 121 minutes

Photos and videos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville