Movie "Beltracchi: The Art of Forgery"

An exciting, entertaining, and witty documentary about one of the biggest art scandals in postwar European history.

The film follows the activities of artist Wolfgang Beltracchi, which he himself long considered his profession: creating paintings that never existed, yet fit perfectly into the oeuvres of famous artists. He did not produce copies, but original works that deceived the art market. Galleries, experts, and collectors believed in the authenticity of the paintings, allowing Beltracchi to amass great wealth—until a single mistake revealed the whole truth.

Director Arne Birkenstock tells the story like a crime film, featuring a charismatic protagonist who, already convicted, recounts with humor and surprising openness how he ruthlessly exploited the weaknesses of an overheated art market.

During Riga Art Week, we warmly invite you to discover this unusual film, which can serve as a powerful impulse for reflection on what authenticity in art truly means today.

Director: Arne Birkenstock

Germany, 2014, 108 min.