The subject of BermudaDocs’ most popular film this year, Doris Payne, has been arrested following allegations she stole a diamond ring worth more than $20,000.

The international jewel thief appeared in court on Thursday charged with felony larceny after allegedly stealing the $22,500 ring from El Paseo Jewelers in Palm Desert, California.

With the fourth sold-out screening of ‘The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne’ scheduled for tonight, the film has been a hit with Bermudian audiences this year.

“Bermuda loves Doris Payne,” said BermudaDocs director, Duncan Hall.

“The documentaries that do exceptionally well at BermudaDocs tend to be on the lighter side. Obviously this deals with some serious subject matter, but there are a lot of laughs as well and most people leave the theatre smiling and laughing.”

The news that Payne is once again facing theft charges is “very timely” said Mr Hall, although he did not say whether a fifth screening was in the works.

“We’ll get through tonight’s first and then we’ll make a decision,” he said.