Directed by Orson Welles | France, Iran, Germany | 88 min

This experiment in form by filmmaking master Orson Welles has become a touchstone in the development of the “visual essay” format now popular in online video culture. Welles’s film is a conscientious magic trick—supposedly a profile of art forger Elmyr de Hory, it also explores hoax biographer Clifford Irving, Welles’s own history of famous hoaxes, and even the relationship of his mistress, Oja Kodar, to Picasso. As the piece evolves, it invites the audience to increasingly question what is real and what is fake, the nature of authenticity, and whether anything Welles presents is true at all. In the process, we are encouraged to consider the nature of film itself as a highly constructed and manipulated medium that often presents itself as if it communicates reality while doing anything but.

Written by Ben Rowe.

Part of our Eyes on Artist Series

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In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.