Acclaimed Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio is set to bring a gripping true story to the small screen with “Portobello,” Max’s inaugural Italian scripted original production. The six-episode series delves into the life of Enzo Tortora, a renowned television host who found himself at the center of a controversial legal battle that shook Italy.
“Portobello” recounts the tumultuous journey of Tortora, the charismatic presenter of the eponymous television show that aired for seven seasons. The series explores how Tortora’s life took a dramatic turn when he was accused by justice collaborators of involvement in a criminal organization linked to drug trafficking. The narrative follows Tortora’s harrowing experience of imprisonment and years-long trial, culminating in his eventual acquittal of all charges.
Fabrizio Gifuni takes on the challenging role of Enzo Tortora, leading a cast that includes Lino Musella, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Barbora Bobulova, Alessandro Preziosi, and Fausto Russo Alesi. The series promises to offer a nuanced portrayal of one of Italy’s most clamorous travesties of justice, shedding light on the personal and public ramifications of a case that captivated the nation.
Behind the camera, Bellocchio collaborates with a team of seasoned writers, including Stefano Bises, Giordana Mari, and Peppe Fiore, to bring this complex story to life. The production boasts high production values, with Francesco Di Giacomo as cinematographer, Andrea Castorina handling set design, Daria Calvelli creating costume designs, Francesca Calvelli in charge of editing, and Teho Teardo composing the music.
“Portobello” is a collaborative effort, produced by OUR FILMS, a company of the Mediawan group, and KAVAC FILM, in co-production with ARTE France. The project also benefits from the collaboration of The Apartment Pictures, a company of the Fremantle group. Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Our Films, along with Simone Gattoni for Kavac Film, serve as producers, bringing together a wealth of experience in creating compelling television content.
The series marks a significant milestone for Max, representing its entry into the Italian scripted content market. It also stands as the inaugural project from Our Films, a new production company headed by the prominent producer duo Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli, known for their work on acclaimed series such as “The Young Pope” and “My Brilliant Friend.”
Production for “Portobello” is well underway, with filming having commenced in Rome and continuing across various locations in Sardinia, Campania, and Lombardy. The series is slated to debut on Max in 2026, offering viewers a deep dive into a pivotal moment in Italian television and legal history.
