The critically acclaimed film “Io Capitano” is making waves in Senegal, where its portrayal of the dangers of migration to Europe hits close to home for many young people. The movie follows the journey of two cousins from Dakar as they embark on a perilous expedition to reach Italy, facing smugglers, armed robbers, and cruel jailers along the way.
For 18-year-old Ahmadou Diallo, a street cleaner in Dakar, the film resonates deeply as his own brothers had attempted the same journey in the past. Despite the harrowing scenes depicted in the movie, some young men like Barra Gassama, who lost his brother on a similar journey, choose to stay and work hard in Senegal rather than risk their lives trying to reach Europe.
Director Matteo Garrone and his crew took “Io Capitano” to various locations in Senegal, screening it for audiences in youth centers and schools. The film has sparked conversations among young people about the risks and realities of migration, with some like welder Pape Alioune Ngom trying to convince their parents to let them seek opportunities abroad.
While the movie doesn’t aim to dissuade people from migrating, it sheds light on the harsh realities faced by migrants, drawing from the experiences of social worker Mamadou Kouassi, who spent years trying to reach Europe from Ivory Coast. The actors who play the cousins in the film, now living in Italy, have experienced a different journey themselves, attending film festivals and living a life far removed from their origins in Senegal.
Despite the warnings and tragedies depicted in “Io Capitano,” some like Ahmadou Diallo remain determined to try reaching Europe again, highlighting the complex decisions and challenges faced by young people in Senegal. As the film continues to spark discussions and reflections on migration, the ultimate choice lies with individuals like Mr. Diallo, who are willing to take the risk for a chance at a better future.
