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Hell Castle

For decades, the Heralds of the Gospel have been recruiting children in Canada and other countries with the aim of restoring the Catholic Church, as it was during the medieval Crusades. The minors living in the luxurious castles built by the group in Brazil are told they have a religious calling. Behind these fortresses, cut off from the world, they form an army of knights training for an imminent apocalyptic event in which they will have to kill the infidels.

Through the testimonies of former members who claim to have been manipulated, Enquête sheds light on a toxic environment that fuels fanaticism and radicalization. A military system implanted by a group that many experts and victims consider a cult: exorcisms performed on children, brainwashing, forced family separations, child labor, homophobia, psychological violence, physical torture, and even sexual abuse.

According to the Heralds of the Gospel, all these allegations are false. However, the Vatican has placed the movement under supervision and ordered the closure of the boarding schools to prevent child abuse.

  • Martin Movilla-Durango
    Director
  • Priscilla Plamondon Lalancette
    Writer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    L'enfer au château
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    39 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 17, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    65,000 CAD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Brazil
  • Language:
    French
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Martin Movilla-Durango

Colombian-born investigative journalist and Documentary filmmaker, Martín Movilla Durango has dedicated his career to uncovering hidden truths and amplifying marginalized voices. He is a pivotal figure in Radio-Canada's investigative program Enquête, where his work has illuminated complex global issues.

Movilla's journalistic journey began in Colombia, where he worked for major outlets such as Canal Caracol, El Espectador, and Radio Santa Fe. He covered the internal armed conflict, peace negotiations with guerrilla groups like the FARC, and the pervasive influence of drug cartels. His investigative reporting often placed him in the crosshairs of powerful adversaries, leading to threats that compelled him to seek asylum in Canada in 2000. In Montreal, he continued his journalistic pursuits, contributing to Radio-Canada International (RCI) and later joining Enquête.

Throughout his tenure, Movilla has exposed the undercurrents of societal injustices, from the exploitation of undocumented migrants in Canada to the covert operations of international criminal organizations. In 2024, his investigation into the Brazilian religious group Heralds of the Gospel uncovered allegations of child exploitation and indoctrination, prompting authorities intervention.

Movilla's work has garnered recognition both in Canada and internationally. He was named one of the "10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians" in 2014. His reporting has also earned him nominations for prestigious awards, including the Gémeaux, Judith-Jasmin, and Webby Awards.

Through his lens, Movilla continues to challenge narratives, confront power structures, and advocate for those whose stories are often left untold. His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of investigative journalism in shaping a more informed and just world.

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