Before November 18, 1978, the Peoples Temple Agricultural Project seemed to be a more or less harmless religious community. Built by the self-proclaimed Peoples Temple missionary group, it was located in Barima Waini (Guayana Esequiba, Guyana) and had all the characteristics of an independent territory. This happened after Jim Jones, the leader and visible head of the organization, leased over 12 km² of land to the national government in 1974. The goal was to create a utopian city. governed by religious beliefs and driven by mutual solidarity.
But in fact, this place, which was later renamed Jonestown, became the territory of violence and Jones’ personal protection. From forcing members to farm and raise animals during grueling twelve-hour work days in extremely unsanitary conditions to corporal punishment. The truth is that it gradually became apparent that this organization was a cult with apocalyptic overtones. By early 1978, reports of physical abuse, substance abuse, and even mass suicide attempts emerged. Increasingly difficult circumstances which led US Congressman Leo Ryan to go see what was going on.
Beginning on November 17, the situation in Jonestown became anarchic. As told in a three-part documentary Iconic Massacre: Jonestown– Available on Disney+ – The mere presence of a political figure has caused paranoia and violence in the city. And also Jim Jones’ decision to carry out his terrible plan to promote mass suicide. In the midst of the chaos, the congressman and several members of his team were killed. Finally, Jones forced the townspeople to drink a concoction of drinks laced with cyanide. By the time the situation was finally clarified, 913 people had died at the scene. including Jim Jones, whose body was found with a gunshot wound to the head.
Marian Mohamed’s documentary reveals the history in three episodes but also explores the dangers of cults. But this is not the only production that does this. We leave you with five documentaries about this type of shady organization that you can watch right now. From a group that used the banner of self-improvement to abuse its members, to a cult that collaborated with a military dictatorship. Tour meticulous, despite the dangerous hidden manipulation through beliefs.
Oath (Max)
This two-season, fifteen-episode documentary series, directed by Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer, focuses on the NXIVM cult and its leader Keith Raniere. The latter was sentenced in October 2021 to 120 years in prison. That after it was proven in court that he was using the organization he ran and that he began conducting personal improvement seminars, to attract followers to practices that involve sexual abuse and violence.
The production examines both Raniere’s manipulation of his victims and how he recruits the organization. Something that includes showing the case of actress Allison Mack (Smallville), who became one of the most famous members of the sect. On instructions from the charismatic leader, the performer used her fame and recognition to attract women to the group. Thus, she was also accused and then sentenced due to to his involvement in NXIVM’s shady practices.
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Oathdetails how the cult became a vehicle for sex trafficking. Interviews with former members and expert perspectives allow us to understand the inner workings of such groups. In the second season, it also shows Keith Ranieri’s attempts to defend himself before the law. and statements from Nancy Saltzman, the organization’s co-founder.
Be Obedient: Prayer and Obedience (Netflix)
In four chapters, the play, directed by Rachel Dretzin and Grace McNally, tells everything about the Latter-day Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ. The sect began as a religious association associated with the Mormon Church, but soon broke away to find its own believers. This is when Warren Jeffs declared himself a prophet and spiritual leader with a direct connection to God. So he retired to the Longing for Zion Ranch in Texas. start your own version of the cult of the divine.
However, the place soon became an arena of abuse, violence, coercion and manipulation. The documentary reveals how at least 400 children and 77 women were subjected to all types of abuse while at the site. And also how the sect finally began to be investigated by the law. The decision that made them leave to illuminate all sorts of revelations about the practice of polygamy and endogamy.
The documentary also features Rulon Jeffs, the father of Warren Jeffs, the cult’s former self-proclaimed prophet, who went on to have 80 wives and 62 children. A terrible legacy that his son perpetuated and strengthened for more than three decades. Netflix documentary featuring interviews with victims and experts This is one of the most complete and in-depth studies in recent years regarding sects.
Twin Flames: How to Put out a Fire
In this three-chapter documentary, director Cecilia Peck explores one of the cases that demonstrates how the Internet is an ideal scenario for the spread of cults and similar organizations. In 2017, Jeff and Shaleia Devine founded an online coaching group with the goal of developing romantic relationships. Everything is based on a pseudo-mystical belief about soul mates who are destined to be together. The couple took that concept and turned it into a practical assistance course program. which included the promise of a long and happy relationship.
At first, the group limited itself to online seminars and courses that promoted seemingly harmless couples therapy. But during the pandemic and amid the growth of online communications, the group’s popularity has increased dramatically. It has grown from hundreds of members to thousands around the world. Turn of events which also prompted the leaders to convert the organization into a religious one.
The three episodes of the documentary examine the coercion, manipulation and violence that the participants were subjected to. This has led some of them to extreme situations that include imprisonment and even gender reassignment surgeries without prior psychological treatment. Currently, the sect continues to operate and has a significant presence on the Internet.
Wild Wild Country (Netflix)
The story of the sect surrounding the mystic Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (also known as Osho) is necessarily extravagant and at times frightening. A preacher of peace, harmony and spiritual detachment who was able to attract over 20,000 listeners in India in 1968, he boasted millions of devoted followers two decades later. That, thanks to the spread of his doctrine – a combination of political and social ideas, with Asian spiritual practices – and above all by selling their books.
Soon Osho’s fame itself became a religion in which he was a prophet. Practically this included the capture of the town of Antelope in Oregon, the place he chose as his center of operations. From then on, the supposed mystic lived in luxury thanks to royalties from the books and videos he sold. as well as donations from his followers.
The documentary explores the extent of various allegations against Osho, from manipulation to abuse. Finally, as after his death, his legacy seems to contradict various accounts of stock market mismanagement and numerous crimes. A thorough life review about a man who eventually became a prophet of sorts among his people.
Colonial Dignity: A German Sect in Chile (Netflix)
In six episodes, the production tells the story of a controversial historical event. Paul Schrader, a Nazi colonel accused of sexual assault in his native Germany, escapes prison (and World War II) and settles in Chile. Once there, he creates a colony of German Christians and proclaims himself a messenger of God. What will lead him to become a charismatic leader and also, the visible head of an increasingly large group of believers.
However, things became even darker and more complicated when the sect began to actively collaborate with the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. An association that eventually transferred the land to the ownership of Colonia Dignidad in lieu of the imprisonment and torture of political prisoners.A moment that the series fully explores.
Source: Hiper Textual
