Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired is a documentary film about the life of Academy Award-winning Polish filmmaker Roman Polanski.

Polanski pleaded guilty to having unlawful sex with a minor in 1978 and subsequently fled for France. He has never returned to the United States.

Fast Facts

1. Director: Marina Zenovich
2. Aired on HBO on June 9, 2008
3. Theatrical release planned by THINKFilm¹
4. Polanski told Zenovich he "loved" the film¹
5. Selected for 2008 Sundance Film Festival
6. Screened at 2008 Cannes Film Festival
7. 2003: Polanski awarded Best Director at the Academy Awards for The Pianist

The Case

When aspiring model Samantha Geimer was 13-years-old, her family accused Polanski of drugging and then raping her during a March 10, 1977 photo shoot in Los Angeles. Polanski was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to having unlawful sex with Geimer. Geimer, who has since settled a civil suit with Polanski, says she wants the case to be closed.²

In 1978, Polanski fled the country for his native France before he was sentenced. He cannot be extradited to the U.S. to face charges because he is a French citizen.²

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