A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad
The rise of a poor German lay preacher to one of the mightiest men in Latin America, who – after a 40 year reign – was defeated by a group of Chilean boys. The history of the German sect "Colonia Dignidad", told through the eyes of those who lived in it, who endured it, who fought it, all brought to life by exclusive, never before seen archive material.
- 2020-2020
- 1 season
- Netflix
- Documentary
The rise of a poor German lay preacher to one of the mightiest men in Latin America, who – after a 40 year reign – was defeated by a group of Chilean boys. The history of the German sect "Colonia Dignidad", told through the eyes of those who lived in it, who endured it, who fought it, all brought to life by exclusive, never before seen archive material.
Season 1 Episode Guide
4 Episodes 2020
Episode 1
Im Paradies
52 mins
Self-proclaimed preacher, Paul Schäfer from Bonn, emigrates with his community to Chile in 1961. About 350 kilometres south of Santiago, far away from all civilization, they found Colonia Dignidad, the "colony of dignity". In the middle of untouched wilderness, they build an ideal German village with workshops, agriculture, cattle breeding and a hospital for the suffering Chilean population. A model of solidarity and sincerity, it seems. Paul Schäfer, however, is pursuing his own agenda.
Episode 2
Lange Schatten
52 mins
300 Germans in Chile, right at the end of the world, have dedicated their lives to the service of God and the poor. Their religious leader, Paul Schäfer, has what he always dreamed of: his own kingdom, sealed off from the outside world.
Episode 3
Blick in den Abgrund
53 mins
There is great relief among German sect members about the military coup in September 1973. Paul Schäfer is serving the new rulers: From now on, secret police chief Manuel Contreras and dictator Augusto Pinochet come and go from the colony.
Episode 4
Ans Licht
52 mins
Sect leader Paul Schäfer expands his empire and creates a human shield to defend the colony against hostilities. Now he opens up the otherwise very isolated Colonia Dignidad to the Chilean population and also assaults Chilean boys. Unlike the German victims, the Chilean boys confide in their parents. They are shocked and take action. More than 30 years after Schäfer's entry into Chile, the Chilean police start investigations - Schäfer's abuse comes to light.
