In 1985, Will Allen became a member of The Buddhafield, a Los Angeles area spiritual community.
A recent film school graduate, Allen began to chronicle the group’s activities that centered on their leader, a mysterious individual they called The Teacher, or Michel. Over time, the group’s dark side began to surface, until finally, a shocking allegation against The Teacher tore the group apart – all in front of Allen’s camera.
Packed with archival video of 1980s Los Angeles, "Holy Hell" is an intimate, insider look at what transformed a spiritual group into something sordid.
The movie is opening this weekend at Laemmle’s Monica Film Center, Laemmle’s Playhouse in Pasadena, and Laemmle’s Claremont.
Guest:
Will Allen, Filmmaker of “Holy Hell” documentary; former member of The Buddhafield