The documentary THERE ARE NO FAKES is being credited by police for having inspired an investigation that recently led to 8 arrests, 40 charges laid and 1000 paintings seized in what they are calling the “biggest art fraud in the world.” At the same time they have obtained a Production Order to seize all of filmmaker Jamie Kastner’s raw footage to use in their investigation and case.

We regard this as an intrusion on a freedom and independence fundamental to all documentary-makers and journalists. The interviewees did not consent, by appearing in this film, to speak to police. If speaking to documentary makers becomes synonymous with speaking to police, exposés of vast abuse like those in THERE ARE NO FAKES will cease to be possible.

The judicial standard required for a production order is that police cannot obtain the information in any other way. Yet in this case police have stated that they have obtained over 200 statements, including from all 17 people interviewed for THERE ARE NO FAKES.

For further background on this issue please see the following:

Jamie Kastner's recent Op Ed in The Globe and Mail

Jamie Kastner on The Agenda with Steve Paikin

We the undersigned object as filmmakers, journalists and supporters of independent documentaries and journalism, to director Jamie Kastner being compelled to hand over raw interview materials to police.

We urge the court on July 7, 2023 to strike down the Production Order currently in effect against Jamie Kastner for THERE ARE NO FAKES materials.