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Actors in Mafia Movie Arrested for Mob Ties

Italian Oscar contender sees 3 cast members accused of crimes

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 13, 2008 1:10 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Bernardino Terracciano is the latest actor in the Naples mafia exposé Gomorrah to be arrested by Italian police, the Telegraph reports. One of several locals cast by director Matteo Garrone to give the film a touch of realism, Terracciano is suspected of extorting protection money as part of the Casalesi family. Co-star Biovanni Venosa was arrested in July.

Authorities have been cracking down in the Naples region on crime connected to the Camorra organization. Eighteen people have been killed by the Casalesi clan since May, and the investigative journalist whose writings inspired Garrone's film has needed police protection. Gomorrah was selected by Italy to represent the country in next year's Best Foreign Film Oscar category.

In this May 18, 2008, file photo, from left, Italian actors Maria Nazionale, Toni Servillo and Italian director Matteo Garrone arrive for the premiere of the film Gomorrah in Cannes.
In this May 18, 2008, file photo, from left, Italian actors Maria Nazionale, Toni Servillo and Italian director Matteo Garrone arrive for the premiere of the film "Gomorrah" in Cannes.   (AP Photo)
Directors Matteo Garrone and Martin Scorsese and producer Domenico Procacci attend the IFC Films screening of 'Gomorrah' at the Dolby screening room on October 3, 2008 in New York City.
Directors Matteo Garrone and Martin Scorsese and producer Domenico Procacci attend the IFC Films screening of 'Gomorrah' at the Dolby screening room on October 3, 2008 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Director Matteo Garrone accepts the Grand Prize for the movie 'Gomorrah' during the 61st International Cannes Film Festival.
Director Matteo Garrone accepts the Grand Prize for the movie 'Gomorrah' during the 61st International Cannes Film Festival.   (Getty Images)
Italian police man a checkpoint under a sign welcoming people to Casal Di Principe, southern Italy, where the Camorra organized crime syndicate is known to be based.
Italian police man a checkpoint under a sign welcoming people to Casal Di Principe, southern Italy, where the Camorra organized crime syndicate is known to be based.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
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Mobster played himself
Times (UK)

Journalist's home broken into
Telegraph (UK)

Italy chooses 'Gomorrah' to go to Oscars
AFP

Mob problem is twofold
Independent (UK)

 
Italy • Cannes Film Festival • Mafia • arrest • actor • Camorra • Gomorrah

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