Los Angeles - "Io Capitano," directed by Matteo Garrone (known for "Gomorrah" and "Dogman"), will be premiered today in American theaters. As stated on the website of the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles, in this acclaimed film, which won awards for direction and acting at the Venice Film Festival, writer and director Garrone presents a "reverse take" on the immigration experience, unfolding an epic and visually stunning odyssey from West Africa to Italy. The story is told through the eyes and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who desire a brighter future in Europe. However, between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a maze of checkpoints, the scorching Sahara Desert, a fetid North African prison, and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have perished crammed into barely seaworthy vessels. The film will be screened in Los Angeles at Landmark Theaters Sunset, Landmark Theatres Pasadena, and Laemmle’s Town Center 5. Winner of the Silver Lion for Best Director and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor at the 80th Venice International Film Festival - for newcomer Seydou Sarr, making his feature film debut - "Io Capitano" is nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. (9colonne)