Disney’s new Italian-language crime series, initially titled Avetrana – This is not Hollywood, has been renamed This is not Hollywood following legal obstacles. Inspired by the 2010 murder of a 15-year-old girl in Avetrana, southern Italy, the series explores the tragic crime and the media spectacle that followed, presenting a fictionalized yet gripping account of events. Set to be released on October 25, the series was temporarily suspended by an Italian court after the mayor of Avetrana argued that the original title tarnished the town’s reputation.
The court in Taranto upheld the mayor’s appeal, placing a provisional hold on the show until a more comprehensive decision could be made on November 5. Disney responded by renaming the series This is not Hollywood, a change intended to overcome the legal barriers and continue with the planned release on Disney+ by Wednesday.
The series title change comes amid a broader debate over freedom of expression in Italian media. Chiara Sbarigia, president of the Italian Producers Association (APA), voiced concerns about the court’s decision to block the release, calling it a “serious violation of the principle of freedom of expression.” Many industry representatives argue that fictional portrayals of real events should be allowed artistic freedom, particularly in exploring the cultural and societal impact of true crimes.
The original case, which gripped Italy in 2010, involved the murder of a teenage girl, allegedly at the hands of her own family members. The media coverage was intense, casting a spotlight on Avetrana, a small town that became infamous throughout Italy as the investigation unfolded. The series aims to provide a commentary not only on the crime itself but also on how the media’s intense scrutiny can shape public perception and affect communities involved in high-profile cases.
Despite the name change, This is not Hollywood remains a stark portrayal of the tragedy and sensationalism surrounding the Avetrana case, examining the lengths to which society and the media go when covering shocking events. Now set to release on Disney+, the series offers viewers an Italian drama that challenges the boundaries between true crime storytelling and community reputation.
Disney’s response underscores the balancing act faced by global entertainment companies when addressing sensitive local issues, illustrating the complex interactions between storytelling, law, and public sentiment.
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