Flavio Sala, a Swiss actor, director, comedian and radio host, born in Locarno, is widely known for his iconic role as the cross-border worker Roberto Bussenghi in the sitcom Frontaliers, produced by RSI. Originally conceived as a radio sketch, the format evolved into a TV show and then a film, becoming a cultural phenomenon in Italian-speaking Switzerland: the 2011 film Frontaliers was the third most-watched movie in Ticino, with over 18,000 viewers.
Sala has performed in numerous dialect comedies alongside Yor Milano and in films based on the character of Palmira, directed by Alberto Meroni. In 2014, he founded his own theatre company, through which he produced, directed and starred in La solita Süpa that same year – an original comedy that strengthened his bond with popular theatre. The company has produced six plays to date, including A Natale siamo tutti Pistoni featuring Enzo Iacchetti. His latest film success, Frontaliers Disaster, was a box-office hit in the region, drawing over 30,000 viewers.
In 2024, Sala surprises audiences with a new artistic persona: singer. Thus is born Sdoganation, an album produced by musician Filadelfo Castro and created in collaboration with Swiss and Italian artists, including Enzo Iacchetti and Vad Vuc. The project, initiated with Mike Birra, aims to revive the musical traditions between Italian-speaking Switzerland and Lombardy, reinterpreting popular songs in a modern key. No longer just comical imitations of famous singers – this time, a genuine and personal voice that blends irony with culture.
In 2025, following the success of the album, Flavio Sala releases the original track Sdoganation, a fresh summer hit. Unlike the songs on the album, this is an original composition that humorously and rhythmically criticizes the overwhelming presence of English words in the Italian language. Written and produced with Stefano Paviani, the song is already airing on RSI Rete Tre and is available on all digital platforms, proving once again Sala's ability to reinvent himself and engage with contemporary issues through wit and ease.
