This debut feature from director Jonas Carpignano is often both harrowing and moving though this film festival favorite...falls short of some of the similar, and even more tragic, stories that can be heard just by turning on the news.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 10, 2015

It's a slow-burn study in feeling powerless and unwelcome, anchored by Seihon's performance as a man patient and adept at sussing out and adapting to what others need until he just can't do it any longer.

| Dec 4, 2015

"Mediterranea" does not solely owe its topicality to recent events, like the tragic sinking of an immigrant boat bound for Italy off the coast of Libya that resulted in 400 deaths, it will induce a shiver of recognition for American viewers too.

| Original Score: B | Nov 21, 2015

Offers a deliberately muted, finely textured account of the ordeals many Africans endure both before and after voyages to Europe in search of better lives.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 20, 2015

Carpignano glosses over much of the sociopolitical context in his depictions of the chain of events.

| Nov 20, 2015

This calm, hardheaded film never sacrifices its toughness for a swooning, misty-eyed moment of hope.

| Nov 19, 2015

There's a specificity to Mediterranea that at times makes it feel like an actual documentary.

| Original Score: B+ | Nov 19, 2015

A piercing character study whose narrow view frustrates complete empathy.

| Nov 17, 2015

The film is unwaveringly attentive to problematizing the dividing line between predator and prey.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 16, 2015