In Naples, Italy, a new "Gomorrah" series is under production, prompting locals to voice their frustrations over the repeated depiction of crime. The ongoing popularity of the crime drama, based on Roberto Saviano’s book about the Camorra mafia, has led to an overwhelming association with the city. While the realism in "Gomorrah" has captivated audiences, many Neapolitans feel that it perpetuates a narrow narrative of their home, focusing solely on the “malavita,” or lawless lifestyle.
In March, a banner was raised in a bustling market, declaring the city no longer supports the representation offered by "Gomorrah," as filming began for a prequel titled "Gomorrah: Origins," which revisits the infamous crime syndicate’s beginnings in the 1970s. The initial success of "Gomorrah," which debuted as a TV series in 2014 after its preceding novel and film adaptations, has ushered in a plethora of related projects, including recent films portraying youth in the crime world.
Longtime residents, such as Gennaro Di Virgilio from a traditional Nativity shop, express their weariness. “They filmed the first one, they filmed the second one. Basta!” he asserts, fed up with the endless cycle of productions that fail to capture Naples' richness beyond its crime elements.
Despite its sometimes sordid past, Naples has been undergoing a tourism resurgence that emphasizes its rich history, delicious cuisine, and sunny weather, reviving its reputation to some extent. However, issues like youth unemployment and crime persist, leading locals to advocate for broader narratives that honor their culture rather than limit it to the negative.
In their desire to highlight the city's vibrant lifestyle and heritage, the people of Naples are asking for a more balanced portrayal that reflects both their current realities and the beauty of their home, rather than being cast endlessly in the shadows of the "malavita."
In March, a banner was raised in a bustling market, declaring the city no longer supports the representation offered by "Gomorrah," as filming began for a prequel titled "Gomorrah: Origins," which revisits the infamous crime syndicate’s beginnings in the 1970s. The initial success of "Gomorrah," which debuted as a TV series in 2014 after its preceding novel and film adaptations, has ushered in a plethora of related projects, including recent films portraying youth in the crime world.
Longtime residents, such as Gennaro Di Virgilio from a traditional Nativity shop, express their weariness. “They filmed the first one, they filmed the second one. Basta!” he asserts, fed up with the endless cycle of productions that fail to capture Naples' richness beyond its crime elements.
Despite its sometimes sordid past, Naples has been undergoing a tourism resurgence that emphasizes its rich history, delicious cuisine, and sunny weather, reviving its reputation to some extent. However, issues like youth unemployment and crime persist, leading locals to advocate for broader narratives that honor their culture rather than limit it to the negative.
In their desire to highlight the city's vibrant lifestyle and heritage, the people of Naples are asking for a more balanced portrayal that reflects both their current realities and the beauty of their home, rather than being cast endlessly in the shadows of the "malavita."
