When widespread abuse is uncovered at a New Zealand cult, a family must turn to the legal system in an effort to save themselves and their community from the all powerful leaders.
'GLORIAVALE' is an observational documentary examining the widespread abuse inside the infamous Gloriavale Christian Community cult, and the institutional failures that have allowed it to continue.
Exploring the secretive community through never before seen home video footage, the filmmakers follow the Ready family as they mount a ground-breaking legal case against the cult's powerful leaders.
Long associated with allegations of sexual and physical abuse, human rights violations and fraud, the true extent of Gloriavale's crimes and the cruelty of its leaders is exposed as the Ready family risk losing their home, their community and those they love for a chance to bring positive change to Gloriavale.
Hidden away in the picturesque Haupiri Valley of New Zealand's west coast lies Gloriavale Christian Community. On the surface, it appears to be a utopia for their 600 faithful members but dig a little deeper and things start to get murky.
Founded by an Australian sex offender named Hopeful Christian, the secretive community is controlled by 12 male 'Shepherds' that oversee everything and everyone including who can come and go, who marries who, and who controls the millions of dollars that come into the community through their questionable 'charity' and the many businesses that are staffed by community members who 'volunteer' their time.
Stories of mental, physical and sexual abuse permeate the culture in what could be the blueprint for 'The Handmaids Tale' where women are subjugated to the will of men. But this isn't fiction.
