Beta Film and Mediawan Rights announce their partnership for the new HBO Original Portobello, a new six-hour drama about star presenter Enzo Tortora, the “king” of Italian television in the 1980s, whose career and life were destroyed by false accusations.
Set in 1982, the story follows Tortora at the peak of his fame, hosting the popular variety show Portobello, which drew an audience of 28 million viewers. His success unravels when mafia informant Giovanni Pandico, under interrogation, unexpectedly names Tortora as an associate. On June 17, 1983, police arrive at Tortora’s hotel room. Believing it to be a mistake, he opens the door, only to find himself pulled into a years-long nightmare that takes him from national stardom into the depths of scandal and ruin.
The series stars Fabrizio Gifuni (My Brilliant Friend) as Enzo Tortora, alongside Lino Musella (The Hand of God), Romana Maggiora Vergano (La Storia), Barbora Bobulova (Sicilian Letters), Carlotta Gamba (Dostoevskij), Alessandro Preziosi (Leopardi. The Poet of the Infinite), Fausto Russo Alesi (Kidnapped, Exterior Night), and Salvatore D’Onofrio (Il Divo). The script is co-written by Bellocchio with Stefano Bises (Gomorrah), Giordana Mari (My Love), and Peppe Fiore (The King).
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Marco Bellocchio (The Traitor, Exterior Night, Kidnapped), Portobello is set for its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in the Out of Competition section. The series will also screen at the Toronto International Film Festival as part of the Primetime lineup.
Produced by Our Films (a Mediawan company) and Kavac Film, in co-production with ARTE France and with the participation of Rai Fiction and The Apartment Pictures (a Fremantle company), the drama will debut as the first Italian HBO Original production on HBO Max in 2026. Producers include Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Our Films and Simone Gattoni for Kavac Film.
Oliver Bachert, Chief Distribution Officer at Beta Film, said:
“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. Portobello sheds a light on one of Italy’s most controversial and dramatic miscarriages of justice. With its powerful storytelling centered around the tragic case of Enzo Tortora, we’re confident that the series will celebrate a memorable premiere in Venice and will go on to captivate audiences worldwide. We are excited to continue our long-lasting collaboration with Marco Bellocchio’s Kavac Film. 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, added:
“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. And it reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the world’s best talents & IPs.”
Portobello, the first Italian HBO Original production, will premiere on HBO Max in 2026.
Source: Beta Film
