Mandagsfilmen: Io Capitano

Io Capitano tells the epic story of two cousins who leave Dakar and embark on a journey towards Europe. In this contemporary odyssey, the two young men must overcome a series of obstacles as they struggle to survive first in the desert and then at sea. The film is one of the five nominees for the Oscar for Best International Film.

Can dreams become reality? Is Europe a paradise? 16-year-old Seyduo and his cousin Mousa have gathered just enough money for the journey from Senegal to Europe. It turns out to be a much more perilous journey than they anticipated – and they have no way back.

Matteo Garrone is one of Italy's foremost filmmakers, with acclaimed gangster films such as "Gomorrah" (2008) and "Dogman" (2018) to his credit. In his latest film, Io Capitano, he uses magical realism, magnificent landscapes, and intense depictions, not to shock, but to provide insight into what it might mean to search for what seems like a better life.

The film is nominated for an Oscar for Best International Film. It provides a close-up view of contemporary issues, seen through the eyes of people experiencing the crisis firsthand.

Award-winning film from Venice and San Sebastian! Matteo Garrone won the Best Director award, and Seydou Sarr won the "Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress" for Io Capitano at the Venice Film Festival. The film also received 10 other awards. Since then, the film has also won the Audience Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival.