Capturing the Friedmans is a 2003 documentary directed by Andrew Jarecki. The film follows the story of the Friedman family from Long Island, New York. The family members were living an apparently normal life until the father Arnold and son Jesse were accused of sexually abusing numerous children during computer classes in their home.
The documentary takes a deep look into the family's private life and the events leading up to the accusations, through home videos, interviews with family members, and law enforcement officials. It also gives interviews from some of the people who claimed to have been abused.
The film also presents a case study of how the criminal justice system deals with cases where there is little or no physical evidence. Jarecki examines the controversial role of repressed memories in the accusations and conviction.
Throughout the documentary, there is a suggestion that the police investigation may not have been entirely fair, with some of the evidence collected being questionable. The film raises the issue of whether the Friedmans were victims of a miscarriage of justice.
Capturing the Friedmans was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2004 and won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2003. It is a thought-provoking and intense film that explores themes of family, justice, truth, and memory.