Germany’s Beta Film and France’s Mediawan Rights have partnered to oversee international sales for the upcoming limited series “Portobello,” directed by acclaimed Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio. This six-episode series will premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 4, 2023, and marks a significant moment in Italian television history as it will be the first HBO Original Italian production available on the HBO Max platform, set to debut in 2026.
“Portobello” draws from the tumultuous true story of renowned Italian television host Enzo Tortora. Tortora, who became famous for his primetime game show “Portobello” on the Italian state broadcaster RAI starting in 1977, faced severe legal challenges in the 1980s. Accused by former mobsters of involvement in organized crime, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. After a prolonged legal battle, Italy’s Supreme Court overturned his conviction in 1987, revealing the systemic corruption that had led to his wrongful imprisonment.
The series features a talented cast, including frequent Bellocchio collaborator Fabrizio Gifuni portraying Tortora. Other cast members include Lino Musella, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Barbora Bobulova, Alessandro Preziosi, and Fausto Russo Alesi. Gifuni previously worked with Bellocchio in the limited series “Exterior Night,” which focused on the kidnapping and assassination of former Prime Minister Aldo Moro by the Red Brigades.
Production Details and Future Screenings
“Portobello” is produced by Bellocchio’s Kavac Film, in collaboration with Mediawan-owned Our Films. The series also receives support from Arte France and Fremantle’s The Apartment Pictures. The writing team includes Bellocchio alongside Stefano Bises (“Gomorrah”), Giordana Mari (“My Love”), and Peppe Fiore (“The King”).
Following its debut in Venice, “Portobello” will be showcased at both the Toronto Film Festival and the Busan Film Festival, further expanding its global reach.
Oliver Bachert, Chief Distribution Officer at Beta Film, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are very proud to join such a strong project together with Mediawan on the distribution side as well as Our Films and Kavac Film on the production side. Certainly, ‘Portobello’ will follow the success of Beta’s highlight series, such as ‘Gomorrah,’ ‘Rocco Schiavone,’ and ‘The Sea Beyond.’”
Valérie Vleeschouwer, CEO of Mediawan Rights, emphasized the significance of collaborating with Bellocchio. She remarked, “We are proud to support a talent such as Marco Bellocchio, one of the most influential and acclaimed Italian filmmakers. It’s a real pleasure to partner with Beta Film on the international distribution of this prestigious program, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting the world’s best talents and intellectual properties.”
As anticipation builds for “Portobello,” the collaboration between Beta Film and Mediawan sets a promising stage for this poignant exploration of justice and reputation in Italy.
