PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENTARY AND THE BOOK ABOUT BORIS SKOSSYREFF, THE CON MAN WHO WAS KING

Description

On November 26th, at 7:30 pm, the Ateneo de Madrid (Prado, 21) will host a screening of the award-winning Andorran documentary BORIS SKOSSYREFF, THE SWINDLER WHO WAS KING, by Jorge Cebrián. The event will also include the presentation of the book, written by Cebrián himself, THE SWINDLER WHO WAS KING, published by Anem Editors.

The event will be attended by Luis Arroyo and Eva Descarrega, Andorra's ambassador to Spain. A discussion following the screening will be led by Jorge Cebrián and Miguel Fernández-Baíllo, from Cátedra Mayor.

THE FILM: SPY, FORGER, PRISONER, AND MONARCH
BORIS SKOSSYREFF, THE CON MAN WHO WAS KING is a documentary that uncovers the incredible story of an extraordinary, highly charismatic, and adventurous European figure, born in 1896 in what was then Russia. His biography is one of the most fascinating of the 20th century. Boris Skossyreff was a member of the Russian nobility, a British spy, stateless, an aide to the Queen of the Netherlands, a Nazi collaborator, a professional forger and con man, a gigolo and orgy organizer, a visionary, an international media personality, a polyglot, a prisoner in major European jails, and even King of Andorra in 1934. But… how did he do it?
He never went unnoticed and was involved in the major conflicts of the 20th century, from which he always emerged alive: the Russian Revolution, both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and the Cold War. He caused a sensation and admiration wherever he went, inspiring both infatuation and suffering, while leaving behind a long criminal record across much of Europe, using his many false identities.

The documentary is based on extensive and comprehensive research, carried out by Jorge Cebrián over a decade in collaboration with an international team of historians and advisors. The result of this exclusive study is previously unpublished information and hundreds of pieces of documentary evidence, both from public sources, including intelligence services, and from private sources, extracted from archives in various countries across Europe and the Americas. They have also obtained firsthand accounts from those who knew him and the transfer of family archives that, until now, have never been made public.
BORIS SKOSSYREFF, THE CON MAN WHO WAS KING was filmed in Andorra, France, Spain (Mallorca, Sitges, and Seu d’Urgell), Portugal, Germany, and the Netherlands. To make this story more engaging and connect it even more with the audience, Boris Skossyreff is portrayed by the popular Catalan actor, comedian, and journalist Manel Piñero, for many years known as L'Homo APM from the TV3 program “Alguna pregunta més?” (Any More Questions?).

THE DIRECTOR: JORGE CEBRIÁN
Jorge Cebrián (Gijón, 1976) has dedicated part of his professional career to one of his great passions: rescuing silenced figures and episodes from history. A graduate in Journalism from the Ramon Llull University of Barcelona, ​​and with training in History from the University of Lleida, his work (both written and audiovisual) is characterized by a rigorous, narrative, and profoundly human perspective. He has directed and written nearly a dozen historical documentaries, such as “Pena Capital” (Capital Punishment), “Los secretos de Sonplosa” (The Secrets of Sonplosa), and “Luchando por la vida” (Fighting for Life), which have received international journalism awards.

THE DIRECTOR: JORGE CEBRIÁN

Jorge Cebrián (Gijón, 1976) has dedicated part of his professional career to one of his great passions: rescuing silenced figures and episodes from history. With BORIS SKOSSYREFF, THE SWINDLER WHO WAS KING, a decade of research culminates in the story of one of the most unusual figures of 20th-century Europe, and the book has also received several awards at international film festivals. Cebrián was also the screenwriter and researcher for the documentary “Pujol/Catalunya. The War Council,” one of the most-watched programs in the history of TV3's “Sense Ficció” series. Cebrián has worked as a journalist, photographer, and correspondent for media outlets such as Europa Press, “Diari d’Andorra,” “Segre,” and “La Mañana.” For five years, he was head of news at Ràdio i Televisió d’Andorra, and he has held positions of responsibility in institutions such as the Government of Andorra and the Barcelona City Council.

If you would like to attend the screening of the documentary and the book presentation at the Ateneo and/or interview Jorge Cebrián, please contact him at this same email address.