An Overview of Portobello
HBO Max is set to launch its first Italian original series, Portobello, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Marco Bellocchio. The show recounts the real-life narrative of Enzo Tortora, a famous Italian television personality known for hosting a primetime game show of the same name. This program aired on RAI, Italy’s national broadcaster, for seven successful seasons starting in 1977. The six-episode series vividly portrays how, in 1985, Tortora’s life took a tragic turn as he was wrongly accused of colluding with the notorious Neapolitan crime organization, Camorra.
A Premier Like No Other
Portobello debuted at the Venice Film Festival last September, receiving rave reviews before making its way to prestigious events in Toronto and Busan. This remarkable series is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max in Italy on February 20, marking a significant milestone as the platform’s first Italian original production.
Production and Collaboration
The series is a collaborative effort produced by Mediawan-owned Our Films and Kavac Film, in conjunction with Arte France and RAI Fiction, alongside The Apartment Pictures, a subsidiary of Fremantle. Production duties are handled by prominent figures Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Our Films, while Simone Gattoni oversees production for Kavac Film.
A Global Release on HBO Max
Portobello is anticipated to be accessible for HBO Max subscribers worldwide in the coming months, reaching viewers in the U.S., U.K., Latin America, and various European countries—excluding France and Germany.
Upcoming Italian Originals on HBO Max
Additionally, HBO Max has an exciting lineup of Italian originals on the horizon. One of the standout series is In Utero, set in a fertility clinic in Barcelona, featuring Sergio Castellitto, and directed by Maria Sole Tognazzi. Another notable production includes the docuseries Gina Lollobrigida: Diva Contesa, which examines the legacy of the legendary actress, along with Saman, a harrowing tale of a young Pakistani woman who faced tragic consequences from her family for opposing an arranged marriage.
Conclusion
Launched on January 13 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein, HBO Max is making significant strides in expanding its international content offerings. With Portobello leading the charge, viewers can expect a captivating exploration of Italy’s complex history and the stories that shape its culture.
