Fourteen years in the making and spanning 18 years, Caveh Zahedi's (born 1960) I Am a Sex Addict, despite a lukewarm reaction upon its initial release, might be the most important film of the new century and will eventually find its place as a major achievement in world cinema.

Talking directly to the camera on his wedding day, Zahedi uses reenactments, animation, home movies, photographs, and other visual aids to tell the detailed story of his sexual addiction; focusing close attention on the suffering he's caused the women in his life. Not afraid of the unflattering self-portrait that emerges, Zahedi plainly shows us the considerable lengths to which he goes to feed his addiction and painstakingly examines his inner struggle to face it. When it is over, aside from being entertained, informed, and ultimately moved, we're left asking how much of it is true. The answer, according to the filmmaker and subject, is all of it.

Ridiculous, embarrassing, and unquestionably courageous, I Am a Sex Addict is what Caveh Zahedi rightly calls a public service announcement. If only all PSAs were this entertaining.

Interview

There is so much to appreciate about this film, but mostly I appreciate the truth that's expressed. Yet the question begs to be asked: If a part of your life unfolds in such a way that doesn't necessarily lend itself to drama, do you flirt with bending or even completely breaking the truth to serve the film?