A new Swiss series titled La linea della palma (lit. “The Line of the Palm Tree”) is currently being produced by Swiss TV channel RSI, which is part of the national broadcaster SRG SSR. The shoot is taking place in Sicily and began in early April. Further scenes will be shot on the shores of Lake Como and in the area of Lugano in Switzerland. The plot of the six episodes is based on a real case involving organised crime, when in 1969, a painting by Caravaggio was stolen in Palermo; the case was never solved, but rumours said the painting reached Switzerland.

The fictional story of the RSI series is inspired by this unsolved case: 50 years after the theft of the painting, a body is found in lake Lugano and linked to the case. Investigations start anew and lead to an organised crime network, as well as to different prominent people from the region of Ticino and powerful players from its financial and cultural scene. At the centre of the story is a young investigative journalist from Lugano, whose research also brings personal family truths to light.

The main role of the journalist will be played by Italian actress Gaia Messerklinger (Tutti a bordo [+lire aussi :
bande-annonce
fiche film]). She will be supported by both Italian and Swiss actors such as Luca Filippi (Hammamet [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
fiche film]), Sandra Ceccarelli (Un gran casino, Cento domeniche [+lire aussi :
critique
fiche film]), Alberto Malanchino (An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts), Michele Venitucci (Istmo [+lire aussi :
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fiche film], Free [+lire aussi :
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fiche film], Castelrotto), Bebo Storti (Cento domeniche, Doppio passo), Daniele Profeta and Georgia Lo Russo (Gli Immortali, Misericordia [+lire aussi :
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interview : Emma Dante
fiche film]). 

The series was conceived by the trio of Swiss authors Thomas Ritter (Emma Lügt), Maria Roselli and Mattia Lento. Swiss and Ticino-based filmmaker Fulvio Bernasconi is directing. Bernasconi has so far made over 20 documentaries, focusing on topics such as social injustice, poverty and financial crimes. He also built up a career in cinema and television. His first feature film, Out of Bounds, starring Maya Sansa, won the Silver Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival. His most recent works include Mercy [+lire aussi :
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interview : Fulvio Bernasconi
fiche film] starring Jonathan Zaccaï and Evelyne Brochu and the series Quartier des Banques with Laura Sepul, Feodor Atkine and Brigitte Fossey, which was broadcast in more than 20 countries and earned him international recognition.

La linea della palma is a production by RSI with Swiss production company Hugofilm Features and ARTE, in collaboration with Milan-based Indiana Production and Lugano-based Central Productions. It is co-funded by the Ticino Film Commission, Teleproduktions-Fond and the Zurich Film Foundation. The airing of the series is planned in stages beginning end of 2025 on the different channels of the Swiss national broadcaster.