On Wednesday evening, the Italian National Association of Film Industries chose Matteo Garrone’s film “Io Capitano” to represent Italy in the race for the Oscars.
In this film, Garoni deals with the poignant story of two young Senegalese who are related by family ties. They decide to leave their country and move to Europe to improve their lives. They embark on a dangerous journey, during which they walk long, exhausting distances in the desert, suffer torture in Libyan prisons, and face Europe’s indifference.
The Italian National Association of Film Industries explained that this film was chosen “because it embodies with great power and cinematic ingenuity the desire that exists in every time and place to seek freedom and happiness.”
The young Senegalese film star, Seydou Sarr, won the Best Promising Actor award at the 80th Venice Film Festival on September 9. The film also won the Silver Lion Award for Best Direction.
In a statement to AGI, Garrone commented on the nomination of his film, saying, “We are very proud that we will represent Italy,” hoping that his film will touch “the hearts of the American audience.”
“Io Capitano” will be among the films seeking to qualify for the semi-finals in the Best Foreign Film category from among dozens of nominations from various countries around the world. Then the Academy Academy will reserve five works for the final nominations list, among which the winner of the award will be.
