Mr. Nisman’s investigation spanned over a decade and involved an extensive analysis of leaked documents, foreign correspondences, and wiretaps. Through his investigation, Mr. Nisman determined that the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran was responsible for planning the attack, and Hezbollah agents for carrying it out. As his investigation progressed, Mr. Nisman established that his own government attempted to cover-up the involvement of the Iranian suspects in order to restore certain trade relations. On January 14, 2015, Mr. Nisman accused Argentina’s current president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, along with Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman and other government officials, of covering up Iran’s alleged role in the AMIA bombing. Mr. Nisman was discovered dead in his apartment from a gunshot wound to the head four days later, hours before the prosecutor was set to present his findings to Argentina’s Congress. Initially reported as a suicide, Mr. Nisman’s death has become the subject of Argentine and international inquiry, with many individuals suspecting the involvement of a third party.
Los Abandonados, an Electrolift Creative documentary, tells the story of the AMIA attack, Mr. Nisman’s investigation and his death through original, first-person reporting. It brings to life allegations that Iran bombed Jewish sites in Argentina and later colluded with Argentinian leaders to murder the prosecutor who was poised to bring charges against Argentinian President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The film also explains, through Nisman’s own words, the finding that Iran attacked the AMIA in retaliation for Argentina ending its support for Iran’s nuclear program.
This production features interviews with Argentine journalists, including Daniel Santoro (Clarín) and Hugo Alconada Mon (La Nación); public officials, such as former Secretary of Intelligence Miguel Ángel Toma; and incumbent National Deputies Elisa Carrió and Patricia Bullrich; among others. Through each individuals’ recollections of the AMIA attack, the progression of the investigation over the course of ten years, Mr. Nisman’s life, his prosecutorial efforts, and his subsequent death, Los Abandonados constructs a contextualized timeline that points at the nexus between Iranian terrorist activities, regional dynamics, and corruption embedded within the Argentine government.
More than half a year after Mr. Nisman’s death, investigations are still ongoing, with no clear resolution in sight. By focusing on individual recounts, Los Abandonados aims to present a broad, comprehensive look at the AMIA tragedy in hopes that it will serve as a record of Mr. Nisman’s efforts and their importance to both Argentine society and international communities.
ABOUT THE FILM MAKERS
Alan Peterson – Writer/Producer
For the past 20 years, Alan Peterson has built a unique experience base in video and film production. He has produced the independent features “Escape from Alaska” and “Fortune Cookie,” as well as writing, “White Shark: Outside the Cage,” for National Geographic Explorer.
Peterson has written, produced, and directed four full-length documentaries with combined budgets of nearly $4 million, including the story of bio-tech pioneer Wayne Quinton. He recently completed the short historical drama, “If These Walls Could Talk”—the story of America’s last covered wagon pioneer journey.
Alan has shot all over the world; from Istanbul to Kathmandu, Italy to the Yukon. Eighty degrees below zero or eighty feet under water, his production experience is extensive.
Peterson has produced for CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, Disney, Buena Vista, The Travel Channel, and Entertainment Tonight. Alan brings a perspective to production from both sides of the camera. His acting talents have been featured in supporting roles in Disney Channel and HBO movies, and CBS series, “Touched by an Angel” and “Promised Land.” Most recently in the indie feature, The Cokeville Miracle. A highlight was the privilege of working with Anthony Hopkins in the feature film, “The World’s Fastest Indian.”
His voice-over work is heard worldwide including the Emmy nominated 2010 National Geographic “Naked Science: Iceland Volcano Eruption” and the 2006 Discovery Channel release, “Building the Ultimate Cruise Ship—Freedom of the Seas.”
Alan received his B.A. in Communications from the University of Utah and pursued additional studies at Cambridge University in England.
Kasey Kirby – Writer/Cinematographer
After a career change out of the accounting field in 2005, Kasey transitioned into working as a cinematographer and editor after completing his graduate degree in film/video from American University.
Kasey’s experience has crossed genre platforms and spanned the globe having shot films in over 20 countries. With experience on a wide range of productions from TV to feature length documentaries, his interest revolves around seeking truth in compelling stories anywhere in the world and bringing them to the forefront of audiences.
Kasey has worked as an editor/DP on numerous National Geographic and Discovery shows, as well as having worked as DP/editor on over 15 feature films that have shown on a variety of outlets including PBS, Netflix, etc. He has worked with various international organizations from the UN to a number of smaller NGO’s around the world.
Most recently Kasey premiered his feature film, Dog Days, at the Austin Film Festival in October 2013 where he was also served as a jury member for the documentary shorts category. Also noteworthy, Kasey’s first feature documentary as a DP titled As We Forgive, was shot in Rwanda and earned Best Documentary at the Student Academy Awards.
Kasey freelances out of Washington, D.C.
Los Abandonados
TRT: 01:17:56:21
Frame Size: HD: 1920 x1080
2.39:1 Matte (Letterbox)
Production Credits:
An Electrolift Creative Production
Writers: Alan Peterson, Kasey Kirby
Cinematographers: Kasey Kirby
VFX: Electrolift Creative
Music: David Cebert
Producers: Alan Peterson, Michelle Taylor, Dan Fleuette
Editors: Kasey Kirby