HBO Max’s first Italian original documentary series “Gina Lollobrigida: Diva Contessa” will be released in Italy and Spain on April 3rd. The three-part doc chronicles the bitter legal battle that erupted over the multi-million dollar estate of the iconic Italian actress, who died in 2023 at the age of 95.
The series, produced by Indigo Stories, the unscripted unit of “Great Beauty” producer Indigo Films, reconstructs a complex legal dispute involving Lollobrigida’s longtime partner Francisco Javier Ligau, who is 34 years her junior. son Mirko and nephew Dimitri Skofic. And the diva’s personal assistant and manager, Andrea Piazzolla, was tried and found guilty of stealing her property. However, Piazzolla maintained his innocence and appealed the case, which has not been fully resolved.
A global sex symbol in the 1950s and ’60s, Lollobrigida worked with Hollywood heavyweights such as Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Errol Flynn, and Rock Hudson.
Promotional materials for the series say, “Thanks to an in-depth analysis of court documents, exclusive testimony, never-before-seen audio, and the participation of Rigaud, Skofic, Piazzolla, and the actress’ nephew Dimitri, this documentary series reveals previously unknown behind-the-scenes details and sheds light on the many dark aspects of the case.”
These aspects include “the disappearance of nearly all of Lollobrigida’s assets”, estimated to be worth between 10 million euros ($11.4 million) and 20 million euros ($22.8 million), with some funds possibly hidden in Panama. Appointment of administrator by court order in 2019. The first verdict in the ongoing case sentenced Piazzolla to three years in prison in 2023 and ordered him to pay 500,000 euros ($572,000) in restitution for allegedly exploiting Lollobrigida’s vulnerability.
Following Italy and Spain on April 3, “Gina Lollobrigida: Diva Contesa” will be available on HBO Max in other, yet-to-be-specified territories.
