Io Capitano

If you've watched enough movies or series, it's the same story over and over again, so you rather focus on how they express the topic and do not pay attention to the core, the topic itself. However, 'Io Capitano' presents a whole new level of the story that I never even thought about. I mean, of course, I read the news and watch documentaries, but those are not enough to live vicariously through refugees. 'Io Capitano' provides a closer and more personal look at their journey from Africa to Europe. Some parts are hard to watch, reminding me of modern slavery. I'm shocked that there is no civilization out there, that only the law of the jungle applies, that only physical violence decides the superiority of a human being, and that all aspects of humanity are taken away.

Authenticity of the movie is unreal. I feel as if I have been following Seydou and Moussa's journey right behind the camera for about a month. When they leave Senegal, it starts cheerful, and I'm also excited for the new adventure. However, the sudden turn of events is horrifying. It's slowly coming but sudden at the same time. When Seydou manages to drive the boat safely to Italy, I am relieved as heck and scream with him in my seat. Especially, when the close-up of faces changes into a wide shot of the Sahara Desert, looking the same everywhere, hopelessness and lostness hit me so hard.

'Io Capitano' does the most important thing a film can do, heralding or experiencing prevalent and relevant social issues that are not dealt with frequently enough because of how uncomfortable it is. It has been a valuable lesson for me, bringing more awareness to refugees' hardship.