Watch Mediterranea

Mediterranea is a 2015 independent film directed by Jonas Carpignano. The film follows the story of two African immigrants, Ayiva and Abas, who embark on a treacherous journey across the Mediterranean in search of a better life in Europe. The movie delves into the harsh realities and experiences faced by immigrants who leave their homes and families behind to pursue a better future.

The film opens in Burkina Faso with Ayiva (played by Koudous Seihon) saying goodbye to his younger brother and mother, promising to send money back home as soon as he can. Ayiva and his friend Abas (played by Alassane Sy) travel to Libya to seek work, but they soon realize that they have no prospects of any jobs, let alone decent-paying ones. They end up stranded in Libya and decide to take their chances, hoping to make it to Europe through an illegal passage.

The journey across the Mediterranean is fraught with danger, as the two men are subjected to inhumane conditions and exploitation by human traffickers. They are scammed out of their money several times and are treated as disposable commodities. The movie captures the despair of the immigrants, depicting their plight with an unflinching eye for realism.

When Ayiva and Abas eventually reach southern Italy, they face a new set of challenges. Despite being at home, they are still outsiders, and are forced to navigate the harsh realities of racism and xenophobia. Carpignano deals with these issues with sensitivity, avoiding caricatures or stereotypes. Instead, he depicts the complex and nuanced attitudes of the Italian community towards the immigrants. The film acknowledges the tensions and resentments felt by the locals while also highlighting the daily struggles of immigrants trying to survive in a foreign land.

The movie successfully captures the texture and mood of life for African immigrants in Europe. The cast members deliver powerful performances, and the cinematography immerses the viewer in the landscape, both physical and social. Mediterranea is a poignant and powerful exploration of the immigrant experience - a reflection on the difficulties faced by those who migrate in search of a better life.

In conclusion, Mediterranea is an emotionally resonant and visually striking film that captures the harsh realities of the immigrant experience. Through the power of its story-telling, the film creates an empathetic connection with its subjects, conveying the tragedy of those who leave their homes behind in the hope of a better future. While it refuses to offer easy answers, the film offers a powerful call to understanding and solidarity across cultures. Mediterranea is a must-watch for anyone interested in the human side of immigration.

Mediterranea is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 77.