Transmedia GroupNew Heat Media and TMGroup Productions will screen The Picasso of Thieves, a documentary about housepainter Joselito Vega who was convicted of stealing works by the Spanish Master from a Long Island estate, on 30th April with Vega on hand to answer questions from the audience.
The documentary, produced in collaboration with TransMedia Group (which has worked with the Palm Beach International Film Festival, Delray Beach Film Festival, Fort Lauderdale Film Festival and Israeli Film Festival), includes commentary from Pulitzer Prize Finalist, historian and best-selling art crime author Professor Noah Charney, and discusses how the artful painter became adept at stealing etchings and other works of art by the Spanish artist.
To provide insight into his curious career choice, Vega will discuss his perspective on “living life fearlessly, your own way, where no rules apply,” as well as his upbringing, family background, and initial fascination with a career painting houses; prior to describing a typical day in the life of a career criminal.
The film combines interviews with Jose, family members and a detective with archive footage and photos, and animation to support the story. The interview with the crime author focuses on how difficult it is for criminals to operate without being caught, and on how members of the public frequently idolize low-level offenders “as there is something thrilling about it.”
Adrienne Mazzone, President of TMGroup Productions, says: “Working with the award-winning female Director, Anna Cespedes and award-winning producer Carlos Cespedes of New Heat Media, has been an amazing experience.”
As someone whose own career is so involved in the law, it’s amazing to see this story come to life
“As someone whose own career is so involved in the law, it’s amazing to see this story come to life,” says Entertainment Attorney, Lillian Taylor Štajnbaher, from International Law Partners LLP.
“We’re thrilled the post-screening Question and Answer session will give us live access to the inner workings of Joselito Vega’s mind, and invite others to join us for the unprecedented event,” adds Mazzone.
The screening will take place at the Savor Theater in Fort Lauderdale – contact TransMedia Group for more information.
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