In March, a banner hung in a narrow alley of Naples, reading, “We don’t support you anymore,” directed at the Italian crime drama “Gomorrah,” which recently began filming a prequel titled “Gomorrah: Origins” in the Spanish Quarter. This latest installment is set to explore the roots of the Camorra crime syndicate from the 1970s, further embedding the city into narratives of criminality.
“Gomorrah” has had a significant cultural impact, stemming from Roberto Saviano's 2006 bestseller about the Neapolitan mafia. The show, which premiered in 2014, ran for five seasons, with two films released in 2019, followed now by “Origins.” This extensive media representation has left some residents feeling typecast.
Gennaro Di Virgilio, a local shop owner, expressed his frustration by stating, “Basta,” translating to “enough.” He, like many others, is weary of the show's continued focus on crime, suggesting that Naples deserves to be recognized for more than its “malavita” image.
Nepal’s evolving tourism landscape, enlivened by social media showcasing its culture and cuisine, contradicts the violent portrayals that dominate the “Gomorrah” narratives. Despite recent growth in visitors, high rates of youth unemployment and crime still linger, compounding tensions regarding the city's representation in media.
For locals, the repetitive allegiance to crime-themed narratives offers an incomplete picture of a city striving to redefine itself beyond its historical reputation.
