How can you explain what’s happened to Italy in the age of its current prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi? As the owner of the country’s television empire, he wields a powerful tool for shaping public opinion to his benefit. His force of will is reflected by the TV commercial in which throngs of Italians sing, ‘Thank God Silvio exists.’ To an outsider, it may seem bizarre. ‘Videocracy’ tries to show how it feels from the inside by profiling people immersed in Berlusconi’s world. They range from a wealthy talent agent close to the prime minister, to a paparazzo feeding off the media circus, to an amateur singer seeking the fame that only television can supply. ‘Videocracy’ is richly illustrated with the trashy TV clips that earned Berlusconi his power. His talent for pandering outshines the crassest of American broadcasters by far.
Erik Gandini
Erik Gandini, born in 1967, Sweden, is a director, producer, and writer. He has directed numerous films and documentaries highlighting Sacrificio: Who Betrayed Che Guevara? co-directed with Tarik Saleh, Surplus. Terrorized Into Being Consumers awarded in IDFA and Videocracy, award winning in Toronto and Sheffield, amongst others. ZagrebDox screened most of his films in different programs, Retrospective program included, and Gandini held the Masterclass at 12th festival edition. He is one of the founders of the Swedish production company Atmo.
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Videocracy
Sweden
2009, 81', color, 35 mm
Directed by:
Erik Gandini
Cinematography:
Manuel Alberto
Edited by:
Johan Söderbergh
Music:
Johan Söderbergh
Producers:
Axel Arno, Erik Gandini, Mikael Olsen
Produced by:
Atmo, Zentropa Entertainments, Sveriges Television AB-SVT
Festivals & Awards:
Sheffield Doc Fest 2009 - Special Jury Award; Toronto International Film Festival - Best Documentary
