Absolutely unbelievable.

Absolutely unbelievable.

In the upcoming documentary "Soldiers of Light," directed by Julian Vogel and Johannes Büttner, the spotlight is on a controversial group of individuals living communally and promoting alternative health practices, raw veganism, and conspiracy theories. At the heart of this group is David, also known as "Mister Raw," a raw vegan influencer who peddles supplements and spreads theories about dark forces and God.

The group aspires to establish an ideological "kingdom" in Germany, blending self-optimization with conspiracy ideologies. Their beliefs are situated at the intersection of far-right authoritarianism and alternative health practices, forming a network that mixes esoteric healing with political extremism.

The filmmakers highlight the connection of this movement to the broader social and economic context of neoliberal late capitalism, suggesting that these far-right aligned healers emerge as a cultural and political response to the pressures and alienation in capitalist societies. Thus, the documentary links their ideology and practice to capitalist exploitation indirectly by showing how neoliberal capitalism's social effects create fertile ground for authoritarian and conspiratorial movements.

One of the group's central figures is Timo, a young man who works within the group, is unpaid, and is subjected to fasting cures and other treatments. The documentary reveals that David exploits Timo for TikTok-like content, subjecting him to dietary regimens and filming his physical transformation. Timo eventually flees back to his parents' house, unable to leave the ideology he has been indoctrinated with. His pitiful face is a stark contrast to David's portrayal of him, challenging the charade that David presents.

David's ultimate goal is to abolish all forms of worker's rights and pay no taxes, positioning himself as a capitalist. The group discards the concept of communal safety nets, replacing it with personal-level solidarity. David and his associates are conviction criminals, and the group questions the legitimacy of the German state, believing in a comprehensive manipulation of all areas of life by sinister forces controlling "Germany Inc." They call their parallel world "Kingdom of Germany."

The documentary aims to shed light on the manipulative tactics of figures like David and serves as a call for help for victims, perpetrators, manipulators, and manipulated, and for society as a whole. It is set to be released in cinemas from 14.8.2025.

[1] Source: Theories and Practices of Far-Right Healers: The Case of the Soldiers of Light (Vogel & Büttner, 2025)

1. The Soldiers of Light, a controversial group, follow alternative health practices, such as raw veganism, and spread conspiracy theories.
2. David, also known as Mister Raw, is a key figure in this group, promoting supplements and dark forces theories.
3. Their goal is to create an ideological "kingdom" in Germany, blending self-optimization with conspiracy ideologies.
4. The group's beliefs merge far-right authoritarianism and alternative health practices, forming a powerful network.
5. The group's practices, situated within neoliberal late capitalism, are linked to the documentary as a cultural and political response to societal pressures.
6. Although unpaid, Timo works within the group, subjected to fasting cures and treatments, and exploited for content by David.
7. TikTok-like content is created by Timo, who was subjected to dietary regimens and filmed, only to eventually flee back to his parents.
8. The documentary exposes the charade of David's portrayal of his followers, with Timo's pitiful face challenging his image.
9. David aspires to abolish all forms of worker's rights, positioning himself as a capitalist, rejecting communal safety nets.
10. The group questions Germany's legitimacy, calling their parallel world "Kingdom of Germany."
11. "Soldiers of Light" serves as a call for help for victims, perpetrators, manipulators, and the manipulated, and for society as a whole.
12. The documentary, directed by Julian Vogel and Johannes Büttner, is set to be released in cinemas on August 14, 2025.
13. Source material for this article can be found in "Theories and Practices of Far-Right Healers: The Case of the Soldiers of Light" (Vogel & Büttner, 2025).
14. Science and medical-conditions play no role in their questionable health-and-wellness practices.
15. Mental-health is disregarded within their therapies-and-treatments, focusing more on self-optimization and esoteric healing.
16. CBD, a popular natural remedy for neurological disorders, is likely absent from their treatment options.
17. In the world of entertainment, there's a growing interest in their casino-and-gambling culture, which includes casino games, sports betting, and lotteries.
18. Las Vegas, a popular gambling destination, may have embraced some of their gambling trends, contributing to the city's overall entertainment offerings.
19. The movie and TV industry, like the general news sector, keeps tabs on the group's career development in the gambling world, exploring the impact of crime-and-justice and responsible-gambling issues on the group.

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