“Me Captain” at Venice Film Festival: A Heartfelt Glimpse into Migrant Journeys

Amidst a backdrop of escalating migrant arrivals in Italy, the Venice Film Festival witnessed the premiere of a film that provides a poignant perspective on the journey many embark upon from Africa to Europe. Director Matteo Garrone‘s “Me Captain” delves deep into the lives and dreams of two young Senegalese individuals, giving a face and narrative to what are often reduced to mere statistics.

Garrone, renowned for his gripping crime dramas like “Gomorrah” and “Dogman,” sought to capture the essence of these journeys. “Over the years, we’ve started viewing migrants as mere numbers. But it’s vital to remember that behind each statistic lies a human story filled with aspirations, dreams, and emotions,” expressed Garrone about the motivation behind “Me Captain.”

The plot follows two teenagers from Senegal, who, inspired by dreams of prosperity and recognition, leave their humble abodes. The audience travels with them across the daunting expanse of the Saharan desert, witnessing their trials and tribulations up to their arrival in Libya, a notorious departure point for many hoping to reach European shores. Their journey is perilous, filled with adversaries, notably Libyan criminals demanding a high price for passage. Yet, what stands out is their unwavering spirit, determination, and the transformational aspect of their expedition. “It’s a profound tale of evolution. A journey that sees a boy maturing into a man,” Garrone remarked.

In a unique approach to casting, after scouting for talent in Italy and France, Garrone found his leading duo in Senegal, opting for non-professional actors, Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall. To further enhance the authenticity of their experience, the film was shot sequentially in Senegal and Morocco. The actors were presented with their scripts daily, allowing them to navigate their roles with a genuine sense of unpredictability and immersion. Reflecting on this methodology, Garrone shared, “This method ensured that our protagonists lived the journey in real-time, uncertain of the next day’s challenges. I believe this enriched their performances.”

The film’s themes resonate with current events. As per recent data, approximately 115,300 migrants have arrived in Italy this year by boat, marking a stark increase from 61,870 in the previous year. Tragically, the United Nations reports that 2,066 individuals lost their lives during the Mediterranean crossing. Countless others faced an untimely end in the desert or were victimized by Libyan militias even before boarding the vessels.

Acknowledging the grave risks, actor Moustapha Fall expressed his understanding of the migrants’ dilemma, stating, “Venturing across the sea is fraught with peril. Yet, sometimes, it becomes the only path to realize one’s dreams and seek a better life, especially when legal avenues remain closed.”

At this year’s Venice Film Festival, “Me Captain” wasn’t the sole film addressing migration. “Green Border” also explored the challenges migrants face at the Poland-Belarus crossing. Both movies join a list of 23 contenders vying for the prestigious Golden Lion award, set to be announced at the festival’s conclusion.

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