LEITA

The Painter and the Thief

Director:
Country:
Norway, Sweden
Genres:
Feature Documentary
Producer:
Ingvil Giske, Morgan Neville
Language:
English, Norwegian
Length:
102 min
Writer:
Benjamin Ree
Year:
2019
Edition
RIFF 2020

The theft of two major paintings starts an improbable friendship. Using CCTV recordings, the artist victim tracks down the drug-addicted thief and confronts him in court. She asks him to pose for a portrait in lieu of compensation. While sitting for the artist, the thief talks about his unlucky life and she cares for him with breakfasts, hugs and just by listening. This doesn’t prevent his self-destructive behaviour landing him first in hospital and later in prison. However, the tables are turned when he is released.

Special Jury Prize for Creative Storytelling, Sundance Film Festival
Best Nordic Documentary Award at Nordisk Panorama