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Theexistence of extraterrestrial life was seemingly proven with the best-known audiovisual recording, but the history-making footage wasn’t what it seemed.
It all began when the late Argentinian journalist José de Zertravelled to a scorched fieldin 1986, after hearing rumours of UFOs.
But rather than documenting sightings of aliens, it became a case of complete invention. It was a more innocent and trusting time, so they were able to get away with fooling viewers in a way that wouldn’t be possible today.
The astonishing story is the inspiration behind The Man Who Loved UFOs, which is landing on Netflix later this week.
‘After receiving a tantalizing but questionable invitation, fearless entertainment journalist José de Zer, together with his trusted cameraman Chango, heads out to a small town in the province of Córdoba to report on a mysterious circle that has appeared on some farmland in the hills,’ the synopsis teased.
‘What follows is the invention of the most famous alien sightings in the history of Argentine television.’
Although the tale is well known in Argentina, it could now capture interest worldwide. Here’s everything we know about the comedy-drama film…
The inspiration behind The Man Who Loved UFOs
Director and co-writer Diego Lerman spoke about what drove him to bring the story to the small screen.
‘I used to spend vacation time in Cordoba where the story takes place, so I remember the stories, and I always wanted to write something about it.
‘I remembered the character of José, so I started researching and that made me think that there was an interesting film to do about him and the origin of fake news, for example,’ he explained to The Hollywood Reporter.
De Zer began his career as a journalist for small newspapers and later in the magazineGente. He was said to smoke a lot and drink too much coffee and alcohol. This sometimes prevented him from being able to catch up with his interviewees.
After hosting the radio show Generación Espontánea, he later moved to television. He was an entertainment reporter on Channel 11in Buenos Aires, before contributing as a reporter to the news programNuevediario between 1984 and 1994.
The popular journalist is best remembered for thesix months he spent in Córdoba while in the role. During this time, he made up a supposed UFO landing site near Uritorco Mountain. There were no facts to base the report upon, but he didn’t let that stop him from producing rolling footage.
He becomes a local hero, well known for his catchphrase, ‘Follow me Chango, follow me.’ The coverage also led to an increased number of tourists visiting the area, desperate for their own sightings.
However, years after the footage was put out, it was discovered that thefilming was fake. The lights seen in the videos were actually fromflashlightsorcigarettes. Strange burnt insects were planted by De Zer, and hieroglyphicson cave walls were rocks painted by him in a hotel room.
Speaking about the motivation behind De Zer’s desire to create the story, Lerman said: ‘When Jose discusses things with his boss he says that this is what the people want. The people are tired of hearing bad news, of talking about the economy and political problems. They want something to believe in.’
Although, the film is based on true events, Lerman fabricated some of the details about De Zer’s personal life.
‘He did his public things, but he guarded his private life. So I imagined a lot,’ he explained.
De Zer died in 1997, after suffering fromParkinson’s diseaseand esophageal cancer.
His love for bizarre, and gonzo-style reporting, would inspire the TV that rose in popularity in the 1990s.
Who appears in the cast?
The lead role of De Zer is played by Leonardo Sbaraglia – the Argentine actor who starred in Red Lights alongside Robert De NiroandSigourney Weaver.
Speaking about its upcoming release, Sbaraglia, 54, called it ‘one of the most beautiful films’ he’s ever participated in. ‘Thank you@lermandiegolermanfor this beautiful character and for this movie that I hope will continue to take us to the stratosphere,’ he added on Instagram.
The person who played the role of Jose’s daughter Renata Lerman is Lerman’s daughter Marti. ‘So it’s like a kind of game with real life,’ Lerman said, referencing the film’s theme.
The rest of the cast is made up of Sergio Prina, Osmar Núñez, María Merlino, Agustín Rittano, and Norman Briski. The series will also feature special appearances by Daniel Aráoz and Mónica Ayos.
When is the release date?
After premiering at the San Sebastian Film Festivalin September, it will have a global release on Netflix on October 18.
The film will be released in Spanish, El Hombre Que Amaba Los Platos, but a dubbed version with an English translation will also be available.
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