Brennero, an 8-episode series for Rai, is set and was filmed in Bolzano. The story is inspired by an event that took place in 1961, known as the "night of fires", when a group of South Tyrolean activists, intending to draw international attention to the issue of the autonomy of Alto Adige, damaged the area’s energy infrastructure in a series of attacks.
The historical event is mixed with a fictional story: a ruthless serial killer known as "the monster of Bolzano", has returned after decades of silence. The investigation is entrusted to the young and inexperienced PM, Eva Kofler (Elena Radonicich), who comes from a wealthy family of German culture, and is the daughter of the former chief prosecutor of Bolzano and wife of the current prefect. She is supported by the impulsive inspector Paolo Costa (Matteo Martari), whose background is Italian, linguistically and culturally, and whose leg and partner were taken by the “monster”. Initially they each seem to represent a cultural stereotype: she is austere, cold and rational; he is charming, boastful and reckless. But is this really the truth or are those simply old prejudices? Working together, Eva and Paolo discover that they are different from what they think, becoming a very solid investigative couple.
The city of Bolzano, with its porticos, squares and alleys, framed by a stunning natural setting, is an integral part, and another protagonist, of the story: from the opening frames, when a man of German culture is found dead in vicolo Guido Anton Muss. Locations included streets and squares in the city: piazza Walther, piazza del Grano, piazza delle Erbe, via della Mostra, viale Venezia, via Rasmo, the Museion bridge and the Talvera bridge and gardens, piazza della Vittoria.
A key scene, which provides a plot twist, takes place outside the Centrum shopping centre (Bolzano). The Europa Splendid hotel, the scene of a murder, is located in corso della Libertà, Merano. During the investigation, the investigators use the Renon cable car. The Collalbo ice rink is a focus for one episode.
Careful attention was also paid to the choice of homes: the wealthy Eva lives with her husband and father at Castel Giovanelli, a typical example of the Oltradige architectural style, located in Sant’Antonio (Caldaro). Mathilde’s house is instead in Merano, in piazza della Rena. The monster's hideout is scenic Monticolo Castle (Seeschlössl), built around 1888 in medieval style in the middle of the forest near lake Monticolo in Appiano sulla Strada del Vino.
Filming also took place in Egna, Ora, Renon, the Merano thermal baths.
Brennero, an 8-episode series for Rai, is set and was filmed in Bolzano. The story is inspired by an event that took place in 1961, known as the "night of fires", when a group of South Tyrolean activists, intending to draw international attention to the issue of the autonomy of Alto Adige, damaged the area’s energy infrastructure in a series of attacks.
The historical event is mixed with a fictional story: a ruthless serial killer known as "the monster of Bolzano", has returned after decades of silence. The investigation is entrusted to the young and inexperienced PM, Eva Kofler (Elena Radonicich), who comes from a wealthy family of German culture, and is the daughter of the former chief prosecutor of Bolzano and wife of the current prefect. She is supported by the impulsive inspector Paolo Costa (Matteo Martari), whose background is Italian, linguistically and culturally, and whose leg and partner were taken by the “monster”. Initially they each seem to represent a cultural stereotype: she is austere, cold and rational; he is charming, boastful and reckless. But is this really the truth or are those simply old prejudices? Working together, Eva and Paolo discover that they are different from what they think, becoming a very solid investigative couple.
The city of Bolzano, with its porticos, squares and alleys, framed by a stunning natural setting, is an integral part, and another protagonist, of the story: from the opening frames, when a man of German culture is found dead in vicolo Guido Anton Muss. Locations included streets and squares in the city: piazza Walther, piazza del Grano, piazza delle Erbe, via della Mostra, viale Venezia, via Rasmo, the Museion bridge and the Talvera bridge and gardens, piazza della Vittoria.
A key scene, which provides a plot twist, takes place outside the Centrum shopping centre (Bolzano). The Europa Splendid hotel, the scene of a murder, is located in corso della Libertà, Merano. During the investigation, the investigators use the Renon cable car. The Collalbo ice rink is a focus for one episode.
Careful attention was also paid to the choice of homes: the wealthy Eva lives with her husband and father at Castel Giovanelli, a typical example of the Oltradige architectural style, located in Sant’Antonio (Caldaro). Mathilde’s house is instead in Merano, in piazza della Rena. The monster's hideout is scenic Monticolo Castle (Seeschlössl), built around 1888 in medieval style in the middle of the forest near lake Monticolo in Appiano sulla Strada del Vino.
Filming also took place in Egna, Ora, Renon, the Merano thermal baths.
A prosecutor from a wealthy German-speaking family and an inspector with an Italian cultural and linguistic background and a difficult past are forced to work together to find a serial killer. Overcoming their mutual distrust Eva Kofler and Paolo Costa team up to hunt the ruthless killer, who has returned after years, reopening wounds and cultural tensions that have marked the city of Bolzano for decades.
