Marco Bellocchio returns with ‘Portobello’: A deep dive into a historic miscarriage of justice

A new chapter for Marco Bellocchio

Renowned Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio is once again stepping behind the camera, this time to bring to life the gripping story of one of Italy’s most notorious miscarriages of justice. His latest project, a TV series titled “Portobello”, promises to be a compelling exploration of the life and trials of Enzo Tortora, a beloved Italian TV host who faced a harrowing legal battle.

The powerhouse behind ‘Portobello’

“Portobello” is the inaugural project from Our Films, a new production company helmed by the dynamic duo Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli. These producers are celebrated for their work on acclaimed series like “The Young Pope” and “My Brilliant Friend”. The series is co-produced by Kavac Film, led by producer Simone Gattoni, and Arte France, in collaboration with Fremantle’s The Apartment Pictures.

A stellar writing team

The narrative of “Portobello” is crafted by an impressive team of writers, including Marco Bellocchio, Stefano Bises (known for “Gomorrah”), Giordana Mari (“My Love”), and Peppe Fiore (“The King”). Their combined expertise ensures a nuanced and gripping portrayal of Tortora’s story.

The story of Enzo Tortora

The six-episode series delves into the life of Enzo Tortora, a popular TV host who became a household name in Italy through his primetime game show “Portobello,” which aired on RAI from 1977 for seven seasons. Tortora’s life took a dramatic turn in 1985 when he was accused by several alleged ex-mobsters turned informants of being involved in a Neapolitan crime syndicate dedicated to drug trafficking.

A judicial odyssey

Tortora’s legal battle was a protracted and grueling ordeal. After being sentenced to ten years in prison and spending time behind bars, his conviction was eventually overturned by Italy’s Supreme Court in 1987. The case was widely seen as a glaring example of judicial corruption, with many believing that Tortora was a victim of corrupt judges and prosecutors.

Bellocchio’s vision

Bellocchio aims to present a balanced and in-depth portrayal of Tortora. “Tortora suffered a great injustice: arrested, tried, and convicted, he was fully acquitted only after a long judicial odyssey,” Bellocchio stated. He emphasized that while Tortora was a fighter, the prolonged battle took a toll on his health, leading to his premature death. Bellocchio is determined not to sanctify Tortora but to explore the complexities of his character and the events that shaped his life.

An ensemble cast

The series features a talented cast, with Fabrizio Gifuni taking on the role of Enzo Tortora. Gifuni is a frequent collaborator of Bellocchio and previously starred as former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro in Bellocchio’s limited series “Exterior Night”, which depicted the 1978 kidnapping and assassination of Moro by the Red Brigades. The cast also includes Lino Musella, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Barbora Bobulova, Alessandro Preziosi, and Fausto Russo Alesi.

Filming locations and production details

Filming for “Portobello” has commenced in Rome, with additional locations set in Sardinia, Campania, and Lombardy. The series is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Our Films, Kavac Film, Arte France, and Fremantle’s The Apartment Pictures.

Our Films: A new beginning

Based in Rome, Our Films marks a new chapter for Gianani and Mieli, who recently left their respective Fremantle-owned banners, Wildside and The Apartment, to launch their new venture. This new shingle is part of the European indie studio Mediawan. While at Fremantle, Mieli produced critically acclaimed films such as Pablo Larrain’s “Maria”, starring Angelina Jolie, and Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer”, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Gianani’s notable productions include Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch’s “The Eight Mountains” and Paola Cortellesi’s “There’s Still Tomorrow”.

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