During EFM, Kino Lorber acquired all rights in the U.S. to Beta Cinema's "Diabolik," "Diabolik – Ginko Attacks!" and "Diabolik – Who Are You?." All three movies are based on the popular Italian comic book series about a ruthless master thief, which sold over 150 million copies worldwide. “Diabolik is one of the most beloved characters in Italian pop culture, a sharp and stylish master thief who has entertained audiences since his comic book capers were first introduced in the 1960s," Richard Lorber, president & CEO of Kino Lorber, said. "It's our delight to introduce American viewers to the fantastic adventures of Diabolik, and we're pleased to have another opportunity to work alongside our great partners at Beta Cinema."
The crime-comic adaptations are written and directed by Marco and Antonio Manetti. All three films are produced by Carlo Macchitella, Manetti bros. and Pier Giorgio Bellocchio for Mompracem with Rai Cinema, in association with Astorina and distributed in Italy by 01 Distribution. Grey’s Anatomy and Marvel’s Avengers’ Giacomo Gianniotti stars in the lead in "Diabolik – Ginko Attacks!" and "Diabolik – Who Are You?" and Luca Marinelli in the first installment, Diabolik. Monica Bellucci stars in the role of Altea, Miriam Leone as Eva Kant and Valerio Mastandrea as the inspector Ginko.
The story of "Diabolik" is set in the 1960s in the fictional city of Clerville. Diabolik, a gentleman gangster whose real identity is unknown, has dealt another blow to the police, escaping yet again with his black Jaguar E-type. Meanwhile, there is great anticipation in town for the arrival of Lady Kant, a fascinating heiress who is traveling with a famous pink diamond. The jewel does not elude Diabolik's attention, and in an attempt to put his hands on it, he becomes enchanted by the woman's charm. But now the very life of the master thief is in danger: the determined and incorruptible Inspector Ginko and his team have finally found a way to draw him out into the open.
In "Diabolik – Ginko Attacks!," Diabolik takes a shot, without imagining that it is a Ginko trap. The inspector, following the signalman to the stolen jewels, surprises Diabolik and his loyal partner Eva in their shelter. The king of terror, forced to flee, leaves the stolen goods with him. While on the run, Eva gets hurt and Diabolik, mercilessly, abandons her. A furious Eva makes a proposal to Ginko: she will bring Diabolik to him in exchange for safe conduct abroad. Ginko, forced by the interior minister, reluctantly accepts the pact, and collaborates with Eva in the capture of Diabolik. The content of "Diabolik – Who Are You?" will soon be revealed. The content of "Diabolik – Who Are You?" will soon be revealed.
Beta Cinema had previously announced deals on Diabolik to France (Metropolitain), Spain (Flins & Piniculas), the former Yugoslavia (Discovery), Latin America and Portugal (both Sun Distribution Group), Canada (Mongrel Media), South Korea (Contents Gate) and Taiwan (AV-Jet International). Diabolik – Ginko Attacks! was released to great success in Italy in November 2022 and now celebrates its market premiere at EFM. Beta Cinema is hosting one more screening on Feb 19 at 4:15pm at Parliament Studio and an online screening on Feb 20 at 12:45pm Virtual Cinema 7 (global time, to access visit www.efm-berlinale.de). “It’s a joy and great satisfaction to know all three Diabolik films will be released in the land of film, we have always loved,” say Marco and Antonio Manetti. “Diabolik, so famous for us, is less known to the American public and we are proud he can become known through our films. We are very curious to see how viewers will react and whether they will love this fantastic character as much as we do.”