In this acclaimed film which won top directing and acting prizes at the Venice Film Festival, writer-director Garrone presents a “reverse shot” of the immigration experience while unfurling an epic, cinematographically magnificent odyssey from West Africa to Italy. The story is told through the mind’s eye and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who yearn for a brighter future in Europe. Yet between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a labyrinth of checkpoints, the scorched Saharan desert, a fetid North African prison and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have died packed inside vessels barely fit for passage.

IO CAPITANO is currently nominated for an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (Italy).

“This is storytelling at its most visceral, painted on a broad canvas that reminded me of a saga by David Lean. In a year when all five Oscar contenders for International Film are so worthy, this one captured my heart.” (Leonard Maltin)

“A gut-wrenching powerhouse, this vivid and immersive immigrant drama is a riveting examination of big dreams and childhood innocence colliding with harsh realities and uncomfortable truths.” (Cinemalogue)

“Italian director Matteo Garrone mixes magic realism and brutal reality, but what’s most impressive is the profoundly moving work of actors Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall.” (Observer)

“Garrone… almost never puts a foot wrong with this painstakingly composed work, an adventure peppered by moments of nauseating horror but also ravishing beauty and grace.” (Hollywood Reporter)

Saturday, March 9
Doors 3:15 pm | Movie 3:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

Tuesday, March 12
Doors 5:45 pm | Movie 6:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

IO CAPITANO “Io capitano” (Matteo Garrone, 2023 / 121 mins / PG / French and Wolof w/ EST) A Homeric fairy tale that tells the adventurous journey of two young Senegalese boys, Seydou and Moussa, who leave Dakar to reach Europe.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime.  Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.