Mediterranea
Mediterranea

Movie spotlight

Mediterranea

2015
Movie
107 min
Italian

Ayiva recently left his home in Burkina Faso in search of a way to provide for his sister and his daughter. He takes advantage of his position in an illegal smuggling operation to get himself and his best friend Abas off of the continent. Ayiva adapts to life in Italy, but when tensions with the local community rise, things become increasingly dangerous. Determined to make his new situation work he attempts to weather the storm, but it has its costs.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users88%
Director: Jonas CarpignanoGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Ayiva, a Burkina Faso native, leaves his family and homeland to seek a better life in Europe. He makes the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Italy, where he faces harsh realities and discrimination. Ayiva and his friend resolve to build a life and community despite the challenges, advocating for their rights and dignity.

Critical Reception

Mediterranea received critical acclaim for its raw, authentic portrayal of the migrant experience and its subtle, character-driven narrative. Critics lauded its humanist approach, avoiding sensationalism and instead focusing on the dignity and resilience of its subjects. The film was praised for its realistic depiction of the arduous journey and the subsequent struggles faced by migrants in Europe.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic and empathetic portrayal of the migrant crisis.

  • Appreciated for its nuanced storytelling and focus on individual journeys.

  • Cited for its powerful depiction of resilience and the search for dignity.

Google audience: Google users largely approved of 'Mediterranea,' highlighting its realistic and moving depiction of the migrant experience. Many praised the film's ability to humanize the crisis and showcase the determination of individuals seeking a better life. The film's authenticity and emotional impact were frequently mentioned as strong points.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Camera award at the Cannes Film Festival. Won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Seville European Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Jonas Carpignano lived in the Calabrian region of Italy for several years, where he met many of the film's non-professional actors, who were actual migrants themselves.

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