Watch A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad

A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad is a Netflix docuseries that explores the dark and twisted history of Colonia Dignidad, a secretive colony founded in Chile in the 1960s by ex-Nazi Paul Schäfer. The series provides an in-depth look at the cult-like organization, which was notorious for its extreme secrecy, strict discipline, and brutal tactics.

The series opens with an overview of Schäfer's background and his decision to flee to Chile after being accused of sexually abusing children in Germany. Upon arriving in Chile, Schäfer established Colonia Dignidad as a self-sufficient farming community, attracting both German expatriates and Chileans seeking an alternative lifestyle.

Despite its idyllic appearance, however, Colonia Dignidad was a place of darkness and despair for its inhabitants. Under Schäfer's control, the colony became a place of forced labor, brainwashing, and torture, with Schäfer employing a range of psychological and physical tactics to maintain his power and control over his followers.

The first episode of the series provides a glimpse into life inside Colonia Dignidad, with interviews from former members revealing how they were forced to live under strict rules and regulations, cut off from the outside world, with limited access to the internet, television, or newspapers. The series also delves into the sinister secrets of the colony, including Schäfer's obsession with esoteric beliefs, and his use of drugs and other mind-altering techniques to maintain his grip on his followers.

As the series progresses, new revelations emerge about the colony's activities, including its involvement in the Pinochet regime's human rights abuses during the 1970s and 80s. The series also examines the role of various actors in supporting the colony, from the CIA to the German government, and explores the aftermath of Schäfer's arrest and the exposure of the colony's crimes.

Overall, A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad is a chilling and thought-provoking look at the dangers of extremist ideology, cult-like behavior, and the power of manipulation. Through interviews with former members, archival footage, and a respectful yet unflinching approach to its subject matter, the series provides an illuminating and often disturbing insight into one of the most notorious cults in history.

A Sinister Sect: Colonia Dignidad is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between October 1, 2021 and on Netflix