William, the New Judo Master

A young African man named William arrives in Italy with dreams of becoming a judo champion. He faces numerous challenges, including poverty, racism, and exploitation, as he navigates the complexities of his new life. Despite the hardships, William remains determined to pursue his athletic ambitions and find his place in society.

William, the New Judo Master was generally well-received by critics for its authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience and its compelling lead performance. The film was praised for its sensitive direction and its ability to highlight the struggles faced by refugees in Italy, while also offering a story of resilience and hope.

• A powerful and humanizing look at the immigrant experience.

• Koudous Seihon delivers a standout performance as the determined protagonist.

• The film balances harsh realities with a message of enduring hope.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film for its realistic depiction of the challenges faced by immigrants and praised the acting, particularly that of the lead. Many found the story inspiring and emotionally resonant, though some noted the slow pacing.

Director Jonas Carpignano often casts non-professional actors from the communities he is depicting, aiming for a high degree of authenticity in his films.