7:30 PM | FORGOTTEN SILVER

1995 | Mocumentary | 1h 10m

 NOTE: This movie is a work of fiction.  A HOAX.

A controversial film directed by Costa Botes and Peter Jackson showing "archive footage" purporting to tell the story of "forgotten" New Zealand filmmaker Colin McKenzie, and the rediscovery of his lost films.   In fact, McKenzie is a fictional character, and the films featured in Forgotten Silver were all created by Peter Jackson, carefully mimicking the style of early cinema.   It features deadpan commentary from actor/director Sam Neil and a fake interview with Harvey Weinstein of Miramax. 

 The film was first aired on Television New Zealand, TV ONE and was billed and introduced as a serious documentary. Many viewers were fooled until the directors shortly afterwards revealed that it was a hoax. The fake interviews and recreated archive footage is so effective that many viewers were stunned to learn it wasn't real. 

 "Quite aside from being perhaps the most elaborate prank in Jackson's career to date (or since), Forgotten Silver is a brilliant piece of moviemaking."  Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com

For more information on Costa Botes' work visit his website Lone Pine Film & TV Productions.