The true story of how Orson Welles, toward the end of his life, helped an immigrant family become American citizens…and, in the process, became a far better citizen himself.

SYNOPSIS:

Hollywood, 1980, Orson Welles's personal life and affairs were in shambles: no bank account, no medical insurance, no pension, business structure, social security or medical. He lived a bohemian life with his long-term lover, Oja Kodar, in Hollywood.

Through a connection with Oja’s sister, Orson hired Darinka Hizak, a Yugoslavian immigrant, for the task of putting his office and administrative affairs in order. Her work and relationship with Orson developed into a full-service operation that included her husband, Mika, and their friend, Freddie Gillette.

While Darinka found hidden income sources, set-up bank accounts and an LLC in Las Vegas, got Orson medical insurance and social security…even wrote checks to his wife and daughters, Mika made improvements to Orson’s house, built the still-standing brick and wrought-iron fence, converted the attic into living quarters, built a small studio and editing facility and even put in swimming pool. Freddie became Orson’s driver and was the first person who found Welles, when he died, on the morning of October 10th, 1985.

This is more than a ‘based on the true story’ biopic of Orson Welles; it is a story about the need, struggle and joy of finding those who truly nurture us and fulfill our need…to belong.

Based on the true story of Darinka and Mika Hizak, alive and living in the West San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. Freddie, may he rest in peace, died on July 1st, 2019.