Free Cyberwar Screening at The NZ International Fraud Film Festival
Aucklanders are invited to a free screening exploring the grubby professional and personal revelations exposed by the
most audacious computer hacks of the decade. Opening day two of the Fraud Film Festival on Saturday March 3 at ASB
Waterfront Theatre, two episodes of VICELAND investigative documentary series Cyberwar detail the infamous hacking of Sony Pictures and adultery hook-up site Ashley Madison.
In the first of these episodes, reporter Ben Makuch examines the events that led to the embarrassing mass leak of
internal emails from Sony Pictures, and the U.S. Government allegation that North Korea was behind the hack. As Makuch’s
interviews with cyber experts reveal, many still have their doubts about this narrative.
Even more embarrassing for the individuals concerned, the hack of Ashley Madison exposed the users of a site designed
for married people to arrange discreet hookups. As Makuch explains, the story somehow manages to get even more
interesting with the discovery that Ashley Madison may have been cheating its own customers.
The two episodes will be followed by an expert discussion panel moderated by journalist Russell Brown, examining the
issues raised by each.
“These short but fascinating documentaries, with a total running time of 45 minutes and followed by an expert discussion
panel, are a great fit for the festival” says Programme Director Steve Newall. “VICELAND content stimulates all sorts of conversations, and Cyberwar syncs up with our goal to increase public
awareness about fraud and foster cross-industry collaboration in the fight against it."
Head of Content VICE NZ, Frances Morton says "We're delighted to be part of the Fraud Film Festival. Living so much of our lives online means our privacy and security
is constantly threatened, whether we acknowledge it or not. VICE is all about bringing awareness to issues that often go
overlooked. Screening these episodes of Cyberwar in the festival environment is a great opportunity to learn from these
two fascinating specific hacking incidents and discuss the wider implications. Be vigilant."
Other films screening on day two - in paid sessions - include 2018 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, billionaire vs pyramid scheme tale Betting on Zero, and Alex Gibney’s remarkable Lance Armstrong documentary The Armstrong Lie (followed by a live Q with a former teammate of Armstrong’s).
The free screening of Cyberwar takes place on Saturday March 3 at ASB Waterfront Theatre, commencing 11am. Those who’d
like to attend are encouraged to email nzifff@gmail.com to guarantee admission.
NZ International Fraud Film Festival
ASB Waterfront Theatre
Saturday March 3
Cyberwar (followed by an expert discussion panel moderated by journalist Russell Brown)
Saturday March 3, 11:00am
Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (followed by discussion panel)
Saturday March 3, 1:00pm
Betting on Zero (followed by discussion panel)
Saturday March 3, 3:15pm
The Armstrong Lie (followed by Stephen Swart Q)
Saturday March 3, 6:00pm
ends