The Stolen Painting Screenings

Palace Films is delighted to be releasing Pascal Bonitzer's intriguing and highly entertaining new feature
THE STOLEN PAINTING in cinemas on 31 July, with advance screenings this weekend (25-27 July).

Inspired by remarkable true events, acclaimed writer/director Bonitzer's sharp and hugely engrossing dramedy follows a self-assured auctioneer whose professional and personal integrity is challenged by the discovery of a long-lost masterpiece.

Paris, present day. Brash 40-something André Masson (César Award-winner Alex Lutz), a hotshot modern art appraiser at prestigious high-end auction house Scottie's, receives word that a painting by Egon Schiele may have been found in a young factory worker's home in the Alsatian city of Mulhouse.

Though highly sceptical, André travels to view the canvas with his ex-partner Bettina (the superb Léa Drucker, Custody) who is also an expert valuator, only to be convinced of its authenticity as a masterwork long assumed destroyed by Nazi officials during WWII. For André, the ramifications of this once-in-a-lifetime find for his career and for his contentious relationship with his less-than-reliable intern Aurore (Louise Chevillotte), will prove both unexpected and transformative.

Skilfully brought to life by an array of endearing and duplicitous characters, THE STOLEN PAINTING is a thrilling exploration of the often-cynical world of art dealing and collecting, where the jaw-dropping prices aren't always related to the rarity of the object or the desire of potential customers.

Official film website: thestolenpainting.com.au

Official trailer: (Youtube) youtu.be/5o0ubMmpy2M