Ken Taylor risked his life to help save the lives of six American hostages during the Iran Crisis, a story which was re-told in the blockbuster film Argo, directed by Ben Affleck. His experience as a former diplomat and as an advisor to corporations on issues of political risk, international marketing and strategic accommodation, make his presentations insightful and relevant to a wide variety of audiences. In this lecture, CIGI presents a screening of Argo, followed by an account of the real Iran Hostage Crisis by Ken Taylor himself.
This community event is free to the public. Please register via the green "Register Now" button above. Please note that the webcast will be of the lecture only (does not include screening of Argo).
Agenda:
- 5:00pm–7:10pm: Film Screening of Argo (Directed by Ben Affleck, winner 3 Academy Awards, 130 mins)
- 7:00pm–7:30pm: Community Coffee Reception
- 7:30pm–9:00pm: Lecture By Ambassador Ken Taylor
About Ken Taylor and the Canadian Caper:
The Government of Canada website has a detailed account of the Iran Hostage Crisis and Ken Taylor's role in the "Canadian Caper".
About Argo:
Argo is a 2012 historical drama thriller film directed and co-produced by Ben Affleck. This dramatization is adapted from U.S. Central Intelligence Agency operative Tony Mendez's book The Master of Disguise and Joshuah Bearman's 2007 Wired article The Great Escape. The latter deals with the "Canadian Caper," in which Mendez led the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran, during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. The film stars Affleck as Mendez.