Bruno Modugno: The Hunter-Writer Behind 'Re di Macchia'

Bruno Modugno (Rome, 1933 – Bracciano, 2020) was an Italian journalist and writer whose novel 'Re di Macchia' (Rusconi, 1976) became a Strega Prize finalist in 1977, selling 40,000 copies and later adapted into a 1988 film directed by Modugno himself. The book tells the story of hunter Davide and his companion Regina, celebrated for its poetic yet vivid hunting narratives despite animal rights controversies. Modugno began his career early, writing for Il Globo, Il Giornale d'Italia, and Telesera before joining RAI in 1964, where for 30 years he produced cultural and entertainment programs such as 'Racconti dal vero', 'Pianeta', 'Due per sette', 'La parola e l'immagine', and the successful educational series 'L'avventura'. He also co-created the documentary series 'L'alba dell'uomo' with Folco Quilici and Carlo Alberto Pinelli. For over 40 years, Modugno passionately defended hunting from biological, ethical, and anthropological perspectives, countering anti-hunting campaigns in media, television, and politics. From 2004, he directed Sky's Caccia e Pesca channel, sharing his experiences hunting wild boar in Maremma and chamois and roe deer in the Tyrolean mountains. 'Re di Macchia' was republished in 2015 by Innocenti Editore.