Documentary Filmmakers Expose Far-Right Group’s Dangerous Ideology in ‘Soldiers of Light’

by

Stumbling upon an old acquaintance online after many years, a movie enthusiast like myself couldn’t help but feel the magic of serendipity. Not long ago, I had reconnected with another filmmaker friend, and we shared a common passion for creating a film that tackles the global surge in authoritarianism. Remarkably, this forgotten friend turned out to be none other than a health guru whose work was deeply entwined with extreme right-wing ideologies. This unexpected encounter has led us to create “Soldiers of Light,” premiering this week at the Visions du Réel documentary festival.

In the documentary, “Soldiers of Light,” David, or “Mister Raw,” is followed. Known for being part of a growing group called “healers” and having connections to the far-right, David’s life becomes the focus as filmmakers delve into his household-cum-commune. Among David’s disciples, one particular individual, Timo, seeks to alleviate his psychotic episodes through dietary supplements and fasting. Regrettably, rather than improving, Timo’s condition worsens throughout the movie.

In an interview prior to the film’s release, EbMaster shared his observations about the rise in movements like the one led by David post-COVID, particularly those protesting government restrictions. He noted that these forces were quite prominent within our society and expressed a desire to delve deeper into them. Strikingly, while they often depict utopian visions of societies, these are actually right-wing movements historically speaking.

It was during his online search that he came across David, a man who had attended the same primary school as him and played a significant role in his childhood. When Büttner initially proposed the documentary idea to David, he was taken aback by how receptive David was. “That initial meeting felt strange because we shared a past, yet David was deeply entrenched in an ideology that seemed alien to me.

From the outset, Bird joined the task at hand, and they opted for an observational method to execute it. Bird operated the camera while Buttner managed the audio setup, ensuring their team remained compact and inconspicuous.

For the first time since completing my 2023 “Einzeltäter Trilogy” on individuals who suffered loss due to right-wing terror, I embarked on a new project. During this endeavor, I suggested to Johannes that we employ a direct cinema technique, focusing mainly on observation rather than interaction with our subjects. As a former journalist, I believed that engaging in debates with conspiracy theorists might not be the most productive way to understand this phenomenon.

A significant portion of those initial stages focused on grasping the aesthetic aspect of the project and building rapport with the subjects. Regarding the former, Vogel noticed that David and his associates were frequently recording themselves using smartphones and aimed to produce a chaotic visual scene by filming the screens of their devices. As for the latter, the director emphasizes that despite having starkly contrasting sociopolitical beliefs, they found common ground in areas such as vegetarianism and health concerns.

Vogel mentioned that our discussions mainly revolved around health and sports, creating a productive atmosphere. They trusted us because we never deceived them or misrepresented our intentions. We made it clear we weren’t producing an advertisement for them. Although we didn’t share the same fundamental views, we avoided debating these differences. Our method was distinct from many mainstream media and journalism in general.

Indeed, the pair was mindful about enhancing David’s message. “When creating a film like this,” Büttner stated, “it’s essential to consider if we are providing these individuals with a stage.” The duo, Julian and I, frequently discussed how not to magnify their voices. Our editor played a crucial role in portraying the true nature of the hierarchical system.

One alternative approach to lessening the central emphasis on David’s sermons could involve delving into Timo’s narrative instead. This decision would significantly alter the direction of the movie, as Timo’s sudden, untimely demise sparked a whirlwind of bureaucratic challenges and emotional turbulence for the directors. “At first, everything appeared straightforward,” said Büttner, “but soon we found ourselves navigating many difficult conversations, liaising with authorities and medical institutions while maintaining frequent contact with Timo’s family during their most distressing moments.

Nevertheless, Vogel anticipates that “Soldiers of Light” will bring a more nuanced perspective to conversations about the human side of the surge in far-right movements. He explains, “We don’t need this movie to remind us that the rise of fascism and authoritarianism globally, as exemplified by figures like Trump and Argentina’s president Javier Milei, is harmful and dangerous. Instead, what this film can provide is a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.

He explains that the themes depicted in the movie mirror our daily lives under neoliberal late capitalism, where everyone is constantly trying to excel and better themselves just to make it. He continues by drawing a comparison between his artistic career and Timo’s character, stating that David compensated Timo with a hope for a brighter future – something he understands well from working in film and art. Often, filmmakers and journalists are paid with such promises, hoping for success down the line. The movie aims to capture this sensation rather than portraying its subjects as otherworldly or extraordinary.

Karoline Henkel of Woodwater Films handles world sales for “Soldiers of Light.”

Read More

2025-04-08 14:16