If you missed the buzzing Christchurch premiere of DECULT VOICES – BEYOND BELIEF last week (which I’ll tell you more about), then here’s a nice surprise for you: The Religious Trauma Collective kindly added our long awaited 20-minute documentary to their upcoming online event. It’s free to watch from 19 to 21 June – or till the end of the year with an All-Access Pass for all their sessions. You can also meet with others at in-person get-togethers in Sydney, Melbourne and Wellington.
The documentary was filmed at Decult 2024 and weaves together raw insights from experts, cult survivors, authors and advocates. These deeply moving reflections are a rallying cry for accountability, compassion and justice that you don’t want to miss. I welled up when I first watched it. Check out the trailer!
SOLD-OUT SUCCESS: FUND & FILM NIGHT IN CHRISTCHURCH
We’re stoked about the doco premiere where we raised over NZ$2,500 through ticket sales and raffle prizes for our fledgling charity. So much to celebrate:
- A full house with supporters and allies – some who travelled up and down the motu to join us – and some new faces. Great connections and conversations.
- Speakers from our wider network of cult awareness organisations such as the Olive Leaf Network , Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust, FACT Aotearoa, NZ Skeptics – and the powerful voices of survivors. More calls to action!
- Announcement of Uncult Ōtautahi, the first in-person peer-support group in Christchurch for those with a lived experience.
- Presentation of our brand new sponsorship & partnership proposal for Decult 2026 for philanthropists, NGOs and companies interested in supporting us.
Please get in touch if that’s you so we can send you a digital copy. We’d love to tell you more about our next projects and how to get involved with the Decult Trust in a meaningful way.
If you’d like to hold a DECULT VOICES screening with a kōrero for your community, class or organisation, let us know too. We’re planning more of these impactful in-person events for cult awareness around the country.
Don’t forget to make your voice count with a nomination in the Freedom Express Awards by the end of the month, follow us on social media (where we’ll share some video clips from our event soon) or listen to Decult Talks.
The next time you hear from me, I’ll be on my way to ICSA in Montreal. See you on the other side!
Anke Richter