There are No Fakes

There are No Fakes

There Are No Fakes is a gripping investigative documentary that unravels one of the most disturbing art fraud scandals in Canadian history. When musician Kevin Hearn of the Barenaked Ladies purchases a painting attributed to renowned Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau, his attempt to verify its authenticity leads to the exposure of an elaborate network of forgery, deception, and exploitation.

Directed by Jamie Kastner, the film begins as a story about counterfeit art and spirals into a much deeper and darker portrait of systemic abuse and cultural appropriation. As Hearn’s lawsuit unfolds, There Are No Fakes reveals how greed and indifference have desecrated Morrisseau’s artistic legacy—exploiting Indigenous culture for profit while erasing its true voices.

Featuring interviews with collectors, artists, and law enforcement, the film’s investigation exposes both criminal enterprise and cultural tragedy. Nominated for Best Feature Length Documentary at the 2020 Canadian Screen Awards, it stands as a landmark work of journalism and advocacy.

At once riveting and heartbreaking, There Are No Fakes confronts viewers with questions of authenticity, ownership, and moral accountability. It is not just a film about art, but about the value of truth—and the urgent need to protect it.

Live Q&A with Director Jamie Kastner and Artist Rihkee Strapp:

Join us for a live stream event, with director of ‘There Are No Fakes’ Jamie Kastner, and artist Rihkee Strapp, where audience members can submit Q&A questions in the chat box live.

Jamie Kastner is the director and co-producer of the film, and a documentary filmmaker whose work has played at festivals including TIFF, London, Rotterdam, Hot Docs, been commissioned by BBC Storyville, ZDF/Arte, TVO, Bell Media and sold around the world on various platforms, won prizes, and resounded with audiences and critics alike.

Rihkee Strapp is a two-spirit (Ayakweh) Metis born in Red Lake, Ontario. Rihkee’s arts practice centers around nuances of identity, and cultural appropriation. They are most interested in experiences that are both playful and transformative in terms of challenging assumptions and stereotypes.

Tyson Stewart will be moderating the discussion. Tyson is an Anishinaabe (Temagami) film and media scholar and artist who teaches Indigenous cultural expression and representation in the department of Indigenous Studies at Nipissing University.

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