Mister Organ with a Live Q+A with David Farrier

( Join us after the film with director David Farrier) Five years ago, Kiwi journalist David Farrier (DARK TOURIST) wrote a piece about a minor scandal involving the clamping of parked cars after business hours in an Auckland shop’s private lot. The parking lot belonged to an antique store, and its eccentric owner refused to allow anyone onto her property, paying an individual to watch the lot like a hawk and then extorting huge amounts of money from the parking offenders. And it turns out that the entire thing was all completely legal.

Digging deeper, Farrier discovers that the parking guard, Michael Organ, is not only the mysterious clamper but also the shop owner’s lawyer... and purportedly a prince. David Farrier’s self-reflective examination of his investigation into Michael Organ’s past reveals the perils of journalistic obsession and persistence. David simply cannot step away, regardless of how bizarre, twisted, and unhealthy his encounters with Michael Organ become.

You’ve got to love David Farrier’s commitment. Most of Farrier’s interviewees, including Organ’s ex-roommates and estranged family members, have made a determined effort to stay as far away from the man as possible. Driven by the same journalistic instincts that fueled his previous documentary, TICKLED, Farrier tenaciously clings to the story like a hungry pit bull, hoping to eventually shake the truth from his subject. Convinced that he can talk some sense into the man, Farrier finds that he’s quickly in way over his head with an oft-charming individual whose cleverness goes far beyond his initial expectations. Executive produced by FF alum Ant Timpson. (ANNICK MAHNERT) - Fantastic FEST