Hot Docs 2009

The bestselling memoir Forbidden Love was a widely translated, highly praised literary success until scandal set in. The book, commemorating a friend's honour killing in Jordan, was exposed as a hoax. Author Norma Khouri was outed as Norma Bagain, a con artist wanted by the FBI, accused of lying on the page and in person. This amazing doc-thriller gives Norma the opportunity to face her critics and defend the authenticity of her book and background. Forbidden Lie$ is an all-access glimpse into the convincing act of an enigmatic woman who always has a comeback, and who compellingly invokes the idea of multiple truths when faced with evidence of her lies. Re-enactments are inventively deconstructed, and interview subjects interact with one another in unprecedented ways, revealing truth and lies on all sides. Forbidden Lie$ is an incredible journey through every shade of grey that separates fact from fiction, perception from deception, ultimately forcing the question: Is Norma the ultimate con or a post-modern icon?