Rome -- The unofficial grudge match between Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset and News Corp.'s Italian subsidiary Sky-Italia is getting personal.
The feud revved up after Sky aired a controversial film that Berlusconi allies say showed a "profound" disrespect for the media tycoon-turned-prime minister.
The film in question is "Shooting Silvio," a low-budget 96-minute film from Berardo Carboni that tells the story of a disenfranchised youth who fantasizes about killing Berlusconi. The film, which stirred a similar controversy two years ago when it screened during the Marche du Film, aired Monday on Sky-Italia.
Since then, the Italian media has fanned the flames of controversy. Italy's largest newspaper, Corriere della Sera, quoted a parliamentarian as calling the programming choice "in very bad taste." Another called the choice "a new low" for Italian television. Several newspapers ran columns that discussed the screening.
The film screened as the rivalry between the two broadcasters heats up.
The feud revved up after Sky aired a controversial film that Berlusconi allies say showed a "profound" disrespect for the media tycoon-turned-prime minister.
The film in question is "Shooting Silvio," a low-budget 96-minute film from Berardo Carboni that tells the story of a disenfranchised youth who fantasizes about killing Berlusconi. The film, which stirred a similar controversy two years ago when it screened during the Marche du Film, aired Monday on Sky-Italia.
Since then, the Italian media has fanned the flames of controversy. Italy's largest newspaper, Corriere della Sera, quoted a parliamentarian as calling the programming choice "in very bad taste." Another called the choice "a new low" for Italian television. Several newspapers ran columns that discussed the screening.
The film screened as the rivalry between the two broadcasters heats up.
- 4/15/2009
- by By Eric J. Lyman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.