The Imposter

NEW DOCS

In 1994, a thirteen-year-old boy mysteriously goes missing in Texas. His mother and sister hold out hope for his return, but years pass without word of his whereabouts. Until, out of the blue, they receive a phone call. Three and half years later, a man claiming to be their son and brother has been found in Spain. There is profound relief, but a bizarre reunion follows. This young man’s eyes are a different color, and he speaks with an accent. Though his family members justify these developments, others are convinced something’s not right. This unbelievable story plays out like a thriller, woven together through interviews and meticulous dramatizations. Staring directly into the lens, everyone involved seems earnest and forthcoming in his or her recollection of events. Yet as steps are retraced and perspectives shift, the pieces fail to fit. Sometimes reality is deceptively entangled with what we wish to be true.  ST

Director

Bart Layton

Producer

Dimitri Doganis

Executive Producers

John Battsek, Simon Chinin, Molly Thompson, Katherine Butler, Bob DeBitetto

Editor

Andrew Hume

Cinematographers

Erik Alexander Wilson, Lynda Hall

Release Year

2011

Festival Year

2012

Country

United Kingdom

Run Time

95 minutes