The four-episode documentary series Rael: Prophet of Aliens explores the history of one of the most important French sectarian movements of the seventies. This investigative piece by Antoine Baldassari and written by Alexandre Ife explores the many controversies of the “Rael phenomenon,” from the Elohim theory to the case of the cloned child.
An interview on… Zoom?
In order to reach the followers of the Raelian movement, the leader and his right hand, Brigitte Boisselier, the creators had to have a remotely monitored meeting. “I had to take my bachelor’s degree four or five times in front of them.”, explains director Antoine Baldassar. “Initially, you will receive an email invitation inviting you to Zoom. You don’t know who you’re talking to. There were four men, then five, then three. A month and a half passed and suddenly, still on Zoom, I found myself face to face with Brigitte Boiselier, who is, to put it simply, the number two of the movement..”
In front of the fans, the documentary team explains its intentions and must be convincing to gain their trust. “Brigitte Boisellier sent our request to Rael, and there Alexander, then the choirs, joined in the dance. We started making contacts. We stayed pretty close, they and we“, he continues.
For fifty years they had the opposite view of institutions, it was necessary to accept it.
However, the creators claim that no “contract” was signed with the Raelian movement. “I told him from the beginning that I did not believe anything. so simple” says Antoine Baldassar. “But I found their story interesting, which is crazy and which spans half a century. We had to get rid of the fear from there.. But they knew from the beginning that we were going to reach out to our opponents because they are a controversial movement. For fifty years they had the opposite view of institutions, it was necessary to accept it. and accepted.”
In total, 30 people from the movement were interviewed for the purpose of the documentary series. Alexander Ife, the author, makes an important point: “There was never any control from their side.“
Rael: Alien Prophet is available on Netflix.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
