Soldaten des Lichts

The documentary SOLDATEN DES LICHTS explores a growing scene of influencers, life coaches, and self-proclaimed healers who spread conspiracy narratives and maintain close ties to so-called Reichsbürger groups and other anti-democratic movements.
These actors rely on apocalyptic scenarios, constant threats, and promises of salvation to encourage their followers to purchase courses and products. Their audience ranges from so-called “sovereignists” and self-governing individuals who reject the German state and create their own identification systems, to people suffering from serious physical or mental illnesses.
With a purely observational approach, the film follows the group around Mister Raw as they create content, develop marketing strategies, and conduct sales conversations. In doing so, it examines the neoliberal, self-optimization-driven worldview of this scene.
In parallel, the film follows Timo, who begins working for Mister Raw. We witness his attempts to rid himself of what he believes are spiritual possessions through prayer and fasting.

SOLDATEN DES LICHTS portrays the interpersonal power dynamics within Mister Raw’s environment, which often resembles a spiritual-ideological community—or even a cult—more than a conventional business. The film aims not only to document this phenomenon, but also to shed light on the broader societal conditions that enable figures like Mister Raw to thrive.

Film discussion with
Julian Vogel, Director
Hadwiga Fertsch-Röver, naxos.Kino