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.
Jarecki initially was going to make a film about children's birthday party entertainers, including the popular David Friedman. Friedman's brother, Jesse, and his father, Arnold, had been convicted of child sexual abuse. Jarecki interviewed many of the children involved.
Some of them alleged that bizarre sex games were played during computer classes. Other students stated that they were present and nothing had happened.
Investigation for child sexual abuse started after child pornography had been found during a house search. Arnold Friedman, who was apparently a pedophile, became a suspect, because he received a relevant magazine by mail, in the context of a sting operation.
The Friedmans took home videos while Arnold and later Jesse awaited their trials. They were allowed to stay at home in order to prepare for them. The pictures were not made with publishing in mind, but in order to record the critical situation they faced. The movie also shows family arguments. Arnold's wife did not support him and advised him to confess. The movie suggests that Jesse's and Arnold's confessions were false and had been given in desperation.
