Natan (2013)★ 7.4/10

IE,GB,US,FR · 66 min · February 18, 2013

Documentary
History
Biography

Directed by: Paul Duane, David Cairns

Bernard Natan could be described as one of the fathers of French cinema. How did he come to be completely forgotten, especially so in France? How is it that what little attention is paid to him centres on his alleged career as a pioneer and performer in early gay and BDSM porn? Why was Bernard Natan's name erased from the history of cinema, despite the fact that he dominated the French film industry for much of the '20s and '30s? David Cairns and Paul Duane have excavated an extraordinary tale that aims to rewrite the history of European cinema. Rumours have swarmed around his story for decades but this documentary finally brings the truth to light. 'An extraordinary forgotten story - a superb documentary' - The Irish Times.