Help me make a movie exposing modern religious cults

Religious cults have caused harm to hundreds of thousands of people throughout history.

From the Jonestown Massacre and the Heaven Gate's Suicide to the Children of God and the modern-day Kenyan mass starvation cult.

But cults are not a relic of a time gone by.

Across the world, cults are still very, very real.

In the United States, it's estimated they exceed to 10,000. While in Australia (my home country), estimates place the number to around 3,000.

These cults are generally led by charismatic individuals who promise the world to their followers - only to be snapped up into a world of coercion, mind control, deception - and sometimes death.

Unfortunately, realistic stories of cult survivors have been largely been neglected - largely because these cults operate in secret.

Not many people know about them, and it's only because of brave survivors that we can really understand how they work.

I'm producing, directing and writing a psychological drama film (I estimate 1 hour long) that explores the nature of a fictional religious cult through the perspective of a survivor.

I've consulted with a number of brave real cult survivors who have agreed to tell me their stories - and I'm exploring these stories through the power of film.

The Plot:

A jury of 12 people are deliberating the guilt of a fictional religious cult leader who incited the mass suicide of his followers.

But things take a turn for the worst as one of the jury members, Abraham, reveals that he is a survivor of the mass suicide.

Abraham reveals to the jury that he has a bomb strapped to his chest, and threatens to kill everybody if they do not vote to set his leader free.

As the jury negotiate with Abraham, one particular jury member delves deep into his mind - as we learn through flashbacks (and a hallucination) that Abraham is not as "brainwashed" as we think.

Rather, Abraham was a victim - a victim of a deceptive yet charismatic cult leader. He experienced unimaginable nightmares in his community that help us understand why he's doing what he's doing.

Those who've read the script have described the story as chilling, giving them goosebumps & placing them on the edge of their seat.

One cult survivor described it as "literally explaining almost everything important about cults".

But I Can't Make This Movie Alone.

I'm looking for donors to help me finance this production so I can tell this story the right way.

I've hired filming locations, recruited professional filmmakers and engaged consultants to help me transform this film into a reality. Shoots are scheduled for August and November 2024.

I'm not expecting to make a cent off this film. My hope is to release it to the public for free.

Why?

So I can tell an incredibly important story that challenges the modern day stereotypes of cult survivors - most of whom are regular people, like you and me.

If you pitch in anything (whether it's $5 or $50 or $500), not only will be credited as a donor - you'll be playing an important part in telling a story that the world needs to know.

I'll also personally invite you to the premier when it's finally made.

Help me tell Abraham's story.

And help survivors get their story out there to the world.