Allan Francovich facts for kids

Allan James Francovich (born March 23, 1941 – died April 17, 1997) was an American filmmaker. He is best known for making films that looked closely at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). His films often suggested links between the CIA and certain events during the Cold War in places like Africa, South America, and Europe. Two of his most famous works are the Gladio series (1992), which was shown on BBC's Timewatch, and The Maltese Double Cross – Lockerbie (1994), which was about Pan Am Flight 103.

Who Was Allan Francovich?

Francovich was born in New York City. His family worked in engineering. As a child, he lived in high-altitude mining towns in Peru because his father worked there. He saw how difficult life was for the miners.

He went to a special school in Lima, Peru, and then came to the U.S. for college. He studied at Notre Dame University and later at UC Berkeley, where he earned a master's degree in Dramatic Arts. He also studied film and received a grant to help him make movies.

What Was the Lockerbie Bombing Film About?

Allan Francovich made a documentary film called The Maltese Double Cross – Lockerbie. This film questioned the official story that Libya was responsible for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. This plane crash happened over Lockerbie, Scotland, and killed many people.

When his film was released in 1994, some people tried to stop it from being shown. Screenings at film festivals and universities were canceled. However, a Member of Parliament named Tam Dalyell decided to show the film anyway in the British House of Commons.

Later, a TV channel in Britain, Channel 4, decided to broadcast the film. They said it was important for more people to see it.

What Did Francovich Say About His Film?

After the film was shown on TV, Allan Francovich wrote a letter to The Guardian newspaper. He said that the attacks on his film were expected. He believed these attacks were meant to distract from the evidence his film presented.

Francovich's film suggested that the Lockerbie bombing was planned by Iran and Syria, not Libya. It also claimed that the bomb got onto the plane because of a mistake in a U.S. intelligence operation. He believed that some people in Western intelligence knew what was happening but did not stop it.

Because of possible legal issues, The Maltese Double Cross - Lockerbie has never been shown publicly in America.

Allan Francovich's Later Life

Allan Francovich passed away from a heart attack on April 17, 1997. He was 56 years old. This happened at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, as he was entering the United States from England.

His films and other important papers are kept at the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley, California.

Allan Francovich's Films

What Was On Company Business?

On Company Business (1976) is a documentary about the CIA. Francovich interviewed people who used to work for the CIA. This film won an award for Best Documentary at the Berlin International Film Festival.

What Was the Gladio Series?

The Gladio series (1992) was shown on BBC2's Timewatch. In these three programs, Allan Francovich interviewed important people involved in Operation Gladio. This included a judge from Venice and former CIA director William Colby.

Other Films by Allan Francovich

• The Lobster Pot (1973)
• Chile in the Heart (1975)
• San Francisco Good Times (1977) – Made with Gene Rosow.
• The Houses are Full of Smoke (1987) – This film was nominated for an award at the Sundance Film Festival. It had three parts:
  • Pt. 1: Guatemala
  • Pt. 2: El Salvador
  • Pt. 3: Nicaragua
• On Company Business: Inside the CIA (1987) – Made with Howard Dratch.
• Dark Passage (1990)
• "Murder in Mississippi." In: Secret History (1991)
• The Maltese Double Cross – Lockerbie (1994) – This film won the Best Documentary prize at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 1995. You can watch it online.

Literature

• John Douglas-Gray wrote about Allan Francovich in his thriller novel, The Novak Legacy.

See Also

In Spanish: Allan Francovich para niños

• Daniele Ganser
• Sibel Edmonds