Roberto Saviano: Documentary explores origins of Gomorra

A new documentary directed by Benoit Felici explores the origins and impact of Roberto Saviano’s seminal work, “Gomorra. Reise in das Reich der Camorra” (Gomorrah). The film examines how Saviano, who grew up near Naples, used literature to expose the criminal structures of the Camorra and their integration into the global capitalist economy.

The documentary utilizes archival footage and email correspondence between Saviano and his publisher, Mondadori, to illustrate the intense motivation behind the book's creation. It also highlights the personal cost of his revelations; due to death threats following the book's publication, Saviano has lived under police protection for two decades.

Through interviews with writers, judges, and legal professionals, the film questions whether literature can serve as a tool to confront organized crime and drive social change.