Kevin Spacey Returns to Film
Kevin Spacey re-entered the cinematic scene this weekend with the premiere of his ambitious science fiction film, “Holigaurds Saga—The Portal of Force,” showcased at the Venice Film Festival.
Controversial Screenplay
Notably, the film features a screenplay by Vladimir “Lado” Okhotnikov, a figure facing serious legal repercussions in the U.S. over accusations of orchestrating a crypto Ponzi scheme.
Okhotnikov co-founded Forsage, a decentralized finance application, which the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged in 2022 for allegedly defrauding investors out of more than $300 million. Following this, in 2023, the Department of Justice (DOJ) escalated matters by bringing charges against him and his associates, labeling their operations as a “global Ponzi and pyramid scheme,” marking it as the first major criminal case in U.S. history linked to a DeFi Ponzi scheme.
Allegations and Defense
In their allegations, the DOJ asserted that Forsage was marketed as a sophisticated investment opportunity, but it actually relied on smart contracts deployed on networks like Ethereum and BNB Chain to funnel money from new investors to earlier ones, resulting in over 80 percent of participants experiencing financial loss. Okhotnikov has consistently rejected the notion that Forsage was intended to defraud investors, stating in a YouTube video that true scams are incapable of garnering genuine public support.
Currently residing in Dubai, Okhotnikov remains outside the reach of U.S. law, and a court date for his criminal proceedings has yet to be scheduled.
Film Premiere Highlights
Back at the Venice Film Festival, the unveiling of “The Portal of Force” drew a lively gathering, during which Spacey delivered a speech amid performances by an opera singer and a group of Georgian dancers, reflecting the film’s eclectic artistic vision. The production aims to kick off a trilogy that narrates a battle between the Holiguards and the Statiguards, interrupted by the emergence of an ancient entity dubbed the Prime through a cosmic portal. Alongside Spacey, the film features notable actors such as Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson, and Eric Roberts.
Spacey’s Directorial Comeback
This directorial effort by Spacey is his first since 2004, and it represents one of several projects he has engaged in following his acquittal on sexual assault charges by a London jury earlier in 2023.
Okhotnikov’s Vision
In an interview with the Jerusalem Post, Okhotnikov expressed that the film reflects his libertarian views and explores the ongoing conflict between freedom and social conformity. He is also working on a metaverse wellness initiative named Holiverse, aiming to innovatively enhance human health and longevity through a blend of various advancements in biohacking and self-improvement.
