Blood Ties, also known as Il cugino americano, which translates from the Italian as The American Cousin, is a 1986 Italian-American television film directed by Giacomo Battiato. It was shown at the 43rd Venice International Film Festival, where it was awarded as best television production. The film is produced by RAI, Showtime and Viacom International. It was shot in Palermo and New York City with a budget of about US$5 million. The film was broadcast by Showtime on December 14, 1986.