2023 Boulder International Film Festival

The Thief Collector

Expired March 20, 2023 5:59 AM
Already unlocked? for access
Protected ContentThis content can only be viewed in authorized regions: Colorado.

"...an art-heist documentary with an ‘Oh. My. God.’ Factor" - Variety


In 1985, Willem de Kooning’s “Woman-Ochre,” one of the most valuable paintings of the 20th century, vanished into the Arizona desert after being cut from its frame at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. It was one of the most audacious and puzzling art thefts of a generation. Thirty-two years later, the $160 million painting was found hanging behind a bedroom door in the home of retired school teachers Jerry and Rita Alter in rural New Mexico. The Thief Collector takes a deep look at how and why this mild-mannered couple pulled off one of the greatest art heists of a generation. Was this their only art theft? And why was this couple so protective of their septic tank?

  • Year
    2022
  • Runtime
    95 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    Boulder
  • Director
    Allison Otto
  • Screenwriter
    Mark Monroe, Nick Andert
  • Producer
    Caryn Capotosto, Jill Latiano Howerton, Joshua Kunau
  • Executive Producer
    Bryn Mooser, Kathryn Everett, Tony Hsieh, Andy Hsieh, Justin Lacob, John Boccardo, Derek Esplin; Co-Executive Producers: Shizuka Asakawa, Kathleen L’Esperance
  • Co-Producer
    Mary Kay Cook, Heath Cullens
  • Cinematographer
    Rod Hassler
  • Production Design
    Kim Bailey
  • Sound Design
    Catherine Wheatley
  • Music
    Daniel Wohl