Documentary Comedy
Italian, English, French with English Subtitles
Sabina Guzzanti
Sabina Guzzanti, Rory Bremner, Daniela Luttazzi, Michele Santoro, Enzo Biagi
2006
80 Minutes
PG contains coarse language
Palace Films
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When RAI axed political humorist and comedian Sabina Guzzanti's popular TV show because of her wicked Berlusconi imitation, she decided it was time to take a stand.
The result is Guzzanti's witty and scathing documentary ‘Viva Zapertero!’ directing forceful criticism at the censorship imposed by then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Italy; criticizing his use of political and corporate influence to control 90 percent of Italian media, Guzzanti's film also raises questions about the systematic replacement of respected journalists with people in Berlusconi's own employ.
Passages from censored programs, both talkshow and satire, are shown together with interviews with government employees who were the victim of censorship, in addition to university professors and journalists from several countries. Other cases are referred to where programs were cancelled and the journalists obliged to resign.
A galvanizing blend of humour and righteous indignation, the ferociously funny ‘Viva Zapertero!’ was a surprise hit at the Venice International Film Festival, where it scored a major ovation. Perhaps as much it resonated with the attendees due to the relevance of this subject matter in many countries of every part of our world. Thankfully not here in New Zealand. Or is it?
Winner of the Silver Ribbon for Best Documentary at the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Awards 2006 and Nominated for Best Documentary at the European Film Awards 2005, and nominated for the Grand Jury Prize World Cinema (Documentary) at the Sundance Film Festival 2006.
“Italy may have its own "Fahrenheit 9/11"” – Jay Weissberg, Variety
“Guzzanti deserves every prize going for this eye-opener of a documentary.” Peter Bradshaw, Guardian UK
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