My Scientology MovieJohn Dower

For his first feature documentary, British documentary maker Louis Theroux targets the Church of Scientology. As they refuse all cooperation, he tries to get his own unique insight into the working methods of the mysterious religion.

With his black glasses and modest demeanour, documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux manages to make incisive portraits about subcultures other filmmakers can barely access - using his natural charm and modesty. But when he makes a request to visit the headquarters in Los Angeles, it is refused. Theroux does not throw in the towel: with the help of high-ranking former member Mark Rathbun and inspired by film techniques used by the church itself, he is determined to gain insight in the process of Scientology through re-enactments. Together, Theroux and Rathbun organize castings to find the perfect actors to play Miscavige and the church’s most famous member, Tom Cruise. At times, the re-enacted scenes bring the real Miscavige uncomfortably close. The reaction from Scientology, however, is swift and soon Theroux meets their film crew.

It does not prevent him from looking into the famed Gold Base where Miscavige and his confidants live. However, the Scientology film crew is never far away, resulting in equally alarming and hilarious confrontations. As the reconstructions show ever more clearly how violently things work in the church, questions are raised about the role Rathbun has played in this reign of terror. When Theroux confronts him, the tension between the two rises high.

 

The screening on the 6th of May will be followed by the DOCVILLE+ session "Kunnen we geïndoctrineerden deprogrammeren?" Entrance to this debate is free of chrage. 
(Klik hier voor meer info)
 

 



Mildly comical

Vertoond op editie(s) 2016
Screened at edition(s) 2016

Info

Directed by John Dower
VK
93 min.
Engels
Subtitles: Dutch

Programme

Festival favorites*

credits
Director

John Dower

Producer

Simon Chinn

Contact info
Bekijk Contact info
(en screener)
(beschikbaar vanaf 20.03)