The Man who stole the Mona Lisa... and hid it for 2 years !

In 1911, the world was stunned when Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa vanished from the Louvre. The man behind the audacious theft? Vincenzo Peruggia — an unassuming Italian housepainter working in Paris. How did someone so ordinary manage to pull off one of the greatest, yet least known, art heists in modern history? And was his motive simply money, or something far more personal? Mona Lisa Is Missing, a documentary by writer-director Joe Medeiros, is a captivating investigation into this true story that blends humor, heart, and historical intrigue. Through archival photographs, animations, and interviews with historians, art experts, and Peruggia’s own descendants, Medeiros uncovers a tale of misplaced patriotism, personal pride, and the legacy left behind. As Medeiros follows the thief’s trail through France and Italy, he also unearths the poignant story of Peruggia’s daughter — a woman searching for the truth about a father she never knew. Known as “Macaroni” by his French coworkers, Peruggia kept the masterpiece hidden for two years, believing he was returning it to its rightful home. This documentary offers more than just a compelling whodunit — it’s a touching portrait of a man trying to find meaning, dignity, and a place in history. Original Title : Mona Lisa is Missing : The Man Who Stole The Masterpiece Réalisation : Joe Medeiros Production : Midair Rose Production - Anne Rohinsky-Clement, Eileen White