Movies - Capturing the Friedmans

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	Movies - Capturing the Friedmans

Capturing the Friedmans is a documentary film directed by Andrew Jarecki. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Documentary Feature in 2003.

History

Jarecki initially was going to make a film about children's birthday party entertainers in New York, including the popular David Friedman.

Meanwhile David Friedman's brother, Jesse, and his father, Arnold, had been convicted of child sexual abuse. Jarecki interviewed many of the children involved and ended up making a film about the Friedmans themselves.

Jesse Friedman has a Website where he has posted case documents and his appeal motion, as well as updates about his current situation.

Plot synopsis

The investigation into Arnold Friedman's life started after he was caught in a pedophile sting operation when he received a related magazine by mail. In searching his house, investigators found a large collection of child pornography, which led them to expand their investigation.

Some of the children the Friedmans taught had alleged that bizarre sex games were played during their computer classes. Jarecki interviewed some of these children himself; some stated that they had been in the room with other children alleging abuse, and that nothing had happened.

The Friedmans took home videos while Arnold (and, later, his son Jesse) awaited trial. They were allowed to stay at home in order to prepare for court. The pictures were not made with publishing in mind, but as a way to record what was happening in their lives. The movie shows much of this footage; family dinners, conversations and arguments. Arnold's wife eventually advised her husband to confess and protect their son.

Arnold Friedman pled guilty to multiple charges of sodomy and sexual abuse against young boys who took computer classes taught in the basement of his home. Jesse later confessed too, but now claims he was wrongly convicted.

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