Survivor’s Testimony
CASTEL VOLTURNO, Italy — The Oscar-nominated film “Io Capitano” directed by Matteo Garrone draws inspiration from the incredible journey of Mamadou Kouassi, an Ivorian migrant who endured unimaginable hardships on his three-year odyssey from Africa to Europe. While some of the most harrowing episodes were left out of the final cut, Kouassi’s firsthand account provided the film with a powerful message.
The Film’s Synopsis
“Io Capitano” follows the journey of two teenage boys from Senegal who embark on the migrant route through the Niger desert to Libya. Eventually, they board a dilapidated smugglers’ boat filled with migrants, where one of the boys is forced to “captain” the vessel to avoid imprisonment in Italy due to his status as a minor.
A Reality of Survival
Kouassi’s experience on the boat differed significantly from the film’s depiction. He recounts witnessing the deaths of fellow migrants while he himself managed to survive. The film’s omission of certain graphic episodes, such as the repeated rapes of women by traffickers and the abandonment of migrants in the desert, aimed to ensure a wider audience appeal.
An Influential Director
Matteo Garrone, known for his previous works including “Gomorrah” and “Pinocchio,” cast two Senegalese high school students, Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall, to play the film’s teenage protagonists. Both actors had limited knowledge of the migrant route’s horrors before filming began in Senegal. Sarr expressed the director’s intention to shed light on the realities faced by Africans seeking a better life in Europe.
A Life-Altering Experience
For Sarr and Fall, the success of “Io Capitano” has transformed their lives. They now split their time between Garrone’s mother’s beach house near Rome and promoting the film in various cities. Both dream of pursuing careers in acting, with Sarr aspiring to become a soccer star.
Continuing the Fight
Mamadou Kouassi, now 40 years old, works as a cultural mediator in Castel Volturno, aiding immigrants in obtaining work permits and healthcare. Inspired by his own journey, he envisions a sequel to the film, focusing on his life in Italy where he faced exploitation as an agricultural laborer. His ultimate goal is to use “Io Capitano” as a catalyst for global change in migrant policies.
Impact and Awareness
“Io Capitano” has already made waves during its Oscar campaign, leaving audiences deeply moved by the struggles depicted on screen. Kouassi and the two young actors, along with Garrone, are currently promoting the film in the United States. Kouassi also visits Italian schools to share his story, hoping to dispel misconceptions about the migrant journey and inspire action for change.
A Greater Purpose
While industry recognition is important, Kouassi believes that the true value lies in the potential to effect change. He sees “Io Capitano” as a powerful tool to shift global migration policies. “To win, for example, the statute of the Oscar is important. But change is more important,” he emphasized.
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