FORGOTTEN SILVER New Zealand

This wickedly clever hoax “documentary”
is a highly amusing satire on the recent
spate of historical documentaries made to
celebrate the centenary of cinema. The
film deals with the career of a supposedly
forgotten pioneer of international cinema,
Colin McKenzie, who was allegedly born
in rural New Zealand in 1888. McKenzie
had been completely forgotten until
decomposing reels of his films were discovered
in a shed in the garden of
Hannah McKenzie, his second wife, who
happened to be a neighbor of co-director
Peter Jackson’s parents. The supposedly
aged film material has been created with
tremendous skill and care. Several wellknown
personalities appear in the film.
Leonard Mallin enthusiastically, and with a
commendably straight face, explains
McKenzie’s historical importance. This
exceptionally elaborate hoax will provide
plenty of appreciative chuckles, especially
from film buffs. -David Stratton, Variety
Forgoffon Silver is Kenneth Turan’s (L.A.
Times) Critic’s Choice.