"Through Seydou's journey in Io Capitano, I learned that resilience isn't just about surviving – it's about thriving in the face of adversity."

— Seydou Sarr

In the thought-provoking film Io Capitano, directed by Matteo Garrone, Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall breathe life into the protagonists of the story offering a deeply human portrayal of the migrant experience. Through their compelling performances, the young actors shed light on the harsh realities faced by migrants, illustrating the struggles and aspirations that drive individuals to undertake perilous journeys in search of opportunity, safety, and a better life in Europe. The modern odyssey challenges the dehumanizing narratives surrounding migration, offering a deeply personal exploration of the human stories behind the headlines. Sarr and Fall, in their portrayal of Seydou and Moussa, humanize the struggles of migrants, presenting them not as statistics or political pawns but as individuals with dreams, fears, and aspirations.

From the bustling streets of Dakar, Senegal, to the unforgiving expanse of the Sahara Desert, Sarr and Fall navigate a harrowing landscape marked by exploitation, violence, and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the adversity, their characters remain steadfast, driven by an unwavering belief in the promise of a better tomorrow. Seydou (the character), fueled by his passion for music and dreams of becoming a recording artist, sees Europe as a land of opportunity where his talents can flourish and his aspirations can be realized. For Moussa, the allure of Europe lies in its promise of stability, security, and the chance to build a future free from the hardships of his homeland. As Seydou and Moussa, Sarr and Fall confront the harsh realities of migration head-on, grappling with the brutality of smugglers, the treachery of traffickers, and the indifference of governments. Yet, through it all, their characters retain their dignity, refusing to be reduced to mere victims of circumstance. Together, they represent the millions of migrants worldwide who dare to dream of a brighter tomorrow despite the obstacles and adversities that lie ahead.

Behind the scenes, Sarr and Fall forged a close collaboration with director Matteo Garrone and script consultant Mamadou Kouassi, drawing inspiration from Kouassi's personal journey as an Ivorian immigrant. Garrone's commitment to authenticity permeated every aspect of the film, including the casting process, where he deliberately sought out actors with firsthand experience of migration. This dedication to realism infused Io Capitano with a profound sense of authenticity and depth, enriching Seydou and Moussa's narrative with the rawness and emotional truth that only lived experience can provide.

In a world where immigration policies often prioritize deterrence over compassion, Io Capitano serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of such approaches. Through their portrayal, Sarr and Fall transcend mere cinematic representation, serving as a powerful call to action for policymakers and individuals alike to embrace empathy, compassion, and solidarity in the face of widespread displacement and inequality. Viewers are challenged to reassess their preconceptions of migration, dismantling stereotypes and misconceptions while advocating fervently for a more humane and compassionate approach to one of the most pressing issues of our time.

The movie has received critical acclaim, resulting in Matteo Garrone winning the prestigious award for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival, while Sarr was honored with the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Emerging Actor. The movie is currently nominated at the Oscars for Best International Feature Film.

Io Capitano is not just a film; it is a rallying cry for compassion, understanding, and solidarity in the face of adversity. A cinematic masterpiece depicting the resilience of the human spirit and the universal desire for a life of dignity, freedom, and opportunity.

David Gargiulo __ How were you cast for the project Io Capitano, and what was your initial reaction when you learned about the role?

Seydou Sarr __ It all started when a friend of my sister mentioned there was a casting happening, and my sister encouraged me to give it a shot. Initially, I was reluctant because I wanted to be a football player, but in the end, I decided to go for it. The casting process was a new experience for me. I went for a first audition and then I was told to attend another one in Dakar. That's where I met Moustapha, and together, we went through the final audition. When they later told us that we got the part and would be making a film, I was both excited and a little apprehensive–excited because it was a new adventure for me, but apprehensive because I had never acted in a film before. However, despite the nerves, I knew it was an important opportunity and was determined to give it my all. I feel privileged to be a part of this project. It's not every day that you get the chance to be involved in something meaningful like this, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to tell such an important story through film.

Moustapha Fall __ I was doing theater back in Senegal. It was during this time that I first heard about the casting for the film. The theater company I was a part of had a lot of members, around 1700 or so, and word about the casting spread quickly among us. I had heard about Italy and the opportunities there and thought, 'Let’s give it a shot.' Funny story: I initially thought I was casting for something related to fashion and did not realize it was for a film about immigration. I went through the audition process along with many others, and eventually, I found myself auditioning with Seydou. There was something special about our connection right from the start, we quickly became good friends and the whole experience felt comfortable and free. When the director Matteo [Garrone] later contacted us and told us we had been chosen to star in the film together, it was an incredible moment. To know that we would be embarking on this journey together, bringing Seydou and Moussa's story to life, was both humbling and exciting.

"By portraying Seydou and Moussa as multifaceted individuals with dreams and aspirations, we aimed to humanize the migrant experience and foster greater empathy and understanding among audiences worldwide."

— Moustapha Fall

DG __ How did you prepare for your roles as Seydou and Moussa, considering this was your first acting experience?

SS __  Preparing for the role of Seydou was definitely a challenge, especially considering it was my first experience in acting. But I had some incredible support along the way, particularly from my mother and sister, who were there with me on set every step of the journey. Their encouragement and guidance meant the world to me. Working closely with Matteo [Garrone] was also instrumental in helping me find my footing in portraying Seydou. Matteo constantly reminded me to stay true to myself, to be natural and let my emotions flow freely. His direction empowered me to tap into my own feelings and experiences, allowing me to embody the character in a genuine way.

MF __  From the very beginning, Matteo [Garrone] encouraged us to fully embody our characters. He reminded us to draw from our own experiences, to be true to ourselves, and to let our instincts guide us. I think  this freedom enabled us to deliver performances that felt genuine and heartfelt, enriching the film with a sense of truth and sincerity.

DG __ Io Capitano sheds light on the harrowing journey of migrants from West Africa to Europe. What aspects of the story, if any, resonated with you personally?

SS __ Well, I think it's important to recognize Matteo's contribution in bringing this story to light. Io Capitano offers a perspective on immigration that goes beyond the familiar images of boats arriving in the Mediterranean. It delves into the reality of the journey itself, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of migrants from West Africa. Personally, what resonated with me was the desire for freedom and the opportunity to travel. It's something that many Africans long for—to be able to move freely, to explore new horizons, and to pursue their dreams just like Westerners. It only sounds fair that we’d have the same freedom of movement, don’t you think? For me, this film represents the beginning of that journey towards freedom and equality.

MF __ This film serves as a powerful reminder that every individual has the right to dream, to explore new horizons, and to seek opportunities for growth. It's about breaking barriers and overcoming obstacles. I am grateful to Matteo Garrone for having the courage to tell this story, for giving Africans a voice and for portraying the struggles we face. His commitment to showing the world this reality is commendable. It's through films like these that we can inspire change and foster greater understanding among people. I believe that step by step, through continued efforts, we can make progress toward a future where everyone has the freedom to travel and explore. As you know, Io Capitano is nominated at the Oscars, which makes me hopeful that future might be closer than we think. Io Capitano has opened doors for meaningful conversations, and it's up to us to keep pushing for progress. Together, we can make a difference.

DG __ Seydou, Mamadou Kouassi, an Ivorian immigrant and script consultant for the film, provided valuable insights into the migrant experience. How did his input influence your portrayal of your characters?

"Io Capitano has opened doors for meaningful conversations, and it's up to us to keep pushing for progress. Together, we can make a difference."

— Moustapha Fall

SS __ I didn't know Mamadou initially, but during the course of filming, I had the opportunity to connect with him. His firsthand experiences and insights into the migrant journey helped me better understand my character. In our conversations, Mamadou shared stories of individuals who had embarked on similar journeys, much like Seydou and Moussa. Hearing these stories helped me better understand the challenges and emotions that migrants face along the way. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Mamadou and to incorporate his wisdom into my performance.

DG __ Another question for Seydou. Your characters encounter various obstacles on their journey, from exploitation by smugglers to the harsh conditions of the Sahara Desert. How did you emotionally connect with these challenges, and what did you learn about resilience and perseverance from your characters?

SS __  In French, we have the word épreuve, which encapsulates the notion of enduring trials and hardships. It's about confronting adversity head-on and finding the inner strength to persevere, no matter what obstacles stand in your way. Matteo [Garrone] played a significant role in guiding me through this process. He understood the complexities of our characters and provided invaluable support every step of the way. Portraying Seydou taught me the importance of resilience and the power of perseverance. It's about facing challenges with courage and determination, knowing that each obstacle is an opportunity to grow stronger. Through Seydou's journey, I learned that resilience isn't just about surviving – it's about thriving in the face of adversity.

"Something that many Africans long for is to be able to move freely, to explore new horizons, and to pursue their dreams just like Westerners. [...] For me, this film represents the beginning of that journey towards freedom and equality."

— Seydou Sarr

DG __ Now a question for Moustapha, the film humanizes the migrant experience, depicting Seydou and Moussa as individuals with dreams, fears, and aspirations. How did you approach developing the emotional depth of your characters?

MF __ Matteo's approach to storytelling allowed us to delve into the emotional complexities of Seydou and Moussa's journey. Throughout the filming process, we had the opportunity to meet individuals who had embarked on similar journeys in real life. Their stories, their faces, their emotions – they became the driving force behind our portrayal of the characters. As actors, it was our responsibility to give voice to those who may not have had the opportunity to share their experiences. We wanted to translate their struggles, their hopes, and their fears onto the screen with honesty. This meant immersing ourselves fully in the characters, allowing their emotions to resonate deeply within us. By portraying Seydou and Moussa as multifaceted individuals with dreams and aspirations, we aimed to humanize the migrant experience and foster greater empathy and understanding among audiences worldwide.

DG __ Seydou, your character's passion for music and aspirations of becoming a recording artist add layers to the story. You also have experience as a musician. Did you draw upon your own experiences and interests to bring Seydou's character to life?

SS __ A little bit. Many viewers may not realize that the songs played during the credits are actually ours. The song that came out later as a single Baby was recorded in Dakar.

DG __ Oh I had no idea. Congratulations to both!

MF __  Yes, thank you. We are also registered at the SIAE, which is the The Italian Society of Authors and Publishers, basically the Italian copyright agency.

DG __ Moustapha, what are your plans for the future?

MF __ Acting is my true passion, and my goal is to continue pursuing my career as an actor. I also have an interest in fashion and styling. Like many actors today, I hope to explore opportunities where I can merge my love for acting with my fascination for fashion.

DG __ And, what about you, Seydou?

SS __ Well, for me, if I have the opportunity to continue making movies, I will do it.

DG __ And, what about music?

SS __ I like singing but I am not pursuing a career in music. Acting is what I am passionate about and dedicated to.

Photography Kevin Sinclair, Stylist Oretta Corbelli, Grooming Heather-Rae Bang (Art Department), Interview & Production David Gargiulo, Talents Seydou Sarr & Moustapha Fall