‘Cold Summer’ Sells to Walter Presents in the U.S. and Canada
Beta Film has recently secured a significant deal for the Mafia series “Cold Summer” with Walter Presents, covering the U.S. and Canada markets. The series is set to make its linear premiere in the U.K. on Channel 4 on April 13, with the boxset also becoming available on its streaming service. Earlier this year, the show was also picked up by SBS Australia.
“Cold Summer” made quite an impact on its home turf on RAI Italy, with its premiere drawing in a peak viewership of 4.6 million and an impressive 23% market share, exceeding the channel’s average ratings. The series even received two nominations at the prestigious Italian Film Awards, the Nastri d’Argento, in the categories of best crime series and leading actor.
Adapted from the novel by former anti-Mafia prosecutor Gianrico Carofiglio, “Cold Summer” unfolds in the early 90s in southern Italy and delves into the complex relationship between a small-time Mafia boss and an honest police sergeant, Pietro Fenoglio.
Fenoglio senses an impending Mafia conflict brewing in the seaside town of Bari, Apulia, but struggles to convince others of the looming danger. While the police chief dismisses Pietro’s unorthodox investigative methods, he remains determined to uncover the emerging Mafia leaders in the town.
As Pietro relentlessly pursues the truth, his personal life begins to unravel, leading to strains in his marriage. When Mafia boss Nicola Grimaldi’s son is tragically kidnapped and murdered, the suspect, Vito, seeks shelter with the police, setting off a chain of events that blurs the lines between law enforcement and criminal activities.
Starring Paolo Sassanelli and Giulia Vecchio, two esteemed Italian actors, “Cold Summer” is helmed by director Alessandro Casale and created by a talented team including Gianrico Carofiglio, Doriana Leondeff, Antonio Leotti, and Oliviero Del Papa. The series is produced by Clemart for Rai Fiction in collaboration with Beta Film, which also manages international distribution.
The gripping narrative and stellar performances in “Cold Summer” promise viewers a compelling exploration of power dynamics, morality, and loyalty in the heart of Italy’s Mafia underworld. Stay tuned for the series’ premiere and immerse yourself in this thrilling tale of crime and justice.
