How does a poor, single, African-American mother
from segregated 1950s America wind up as one of the
world’s most notorious jewel thieves? Just ask her. A
glamorous 81-year-old, Doris Payne is as unapologetic
today about the nearly $2 million in jewels she’s
stolen over a 60-year career as she was the day she
stole her first carat. With Payne now on trial for the
theft of a department store diamond ring, filmmakers
Kirk Marcolina and Matthew Pond probe beneath
her consummate smile to uncover the secrets of her
trade and what drove her to a life of crime. Stylish
recreations, an extensive archive and candid interviews
reveal how Payne managed to jet-set her way into any
Cartier or Tiffany’s from Monte Carlo to Japan and
walk out with small fortunes. This sensational portrait
exposes a rebel who defies society’s prejudices and
pinches her own version of the American Dream while
she steals your heart. Myrocia Watamaniuk, Hot Docs
Director Kirk Marcolina will participate in Skype Q&As on Saturday, June 21 at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m.
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