The disturbing reality of Michael Travesser, cult leader of Strong City, who claimed the world would end on October 31, 2007.
Michael Travesser says he's the Messiah and that God has told him the world will end with an apocalyptic event at midnight on 31 October 2007. As leader of a cult in a remote corner of New Mexico called Strong City, this 66-year-old former sailor, previously called Wayne Bent, has spent nearly 20 years preparing his 56 unquestioning and devoted followers for Doomsday. They say they are all preparing for death, to go to a better place. As the programme delves into the world of Strong City, the program find out whether Michael Travesser is about to lead his cult to suicide. Will this be another tragedy like Jonestown or Waco? Or is Travesser just a skilful manipulator, who undermines his subjects before convincing them that he is the route to all wisdom? Our world did not come to an end on 31 October 2007 - but did theirs?—Anonymous
Michael Travesser used to be a sailor called Wayne Bent. Then he became the self-proclaimed Messiah, claiming to know the exact hour of an apocalyptic event that will mark the end of the world. You might not believe him, but dozens of people do. In fact, they hang on his every word and serve him with absolute devotion. In this remarkable film, members of Travesser's cult - the Lord Our Righteousness Church - begin preparing for death as he tells them time is fast running out. Film-maker Ben Anthony obtains unique access to the cult's Strong City compound in New Mexico, USA, to capture the former Seventh Day Adventist minister's powerful hold over his tribe. Anthony discovers females, including teenagers, discussing sexual consummations with Travesser, and meets parents who are desperately trying to prise their children from his grip.—ABC
"The End of the World Cult" explores the disturbing reality of Michael Travesser (formerly Wayne Bent) and his self-proclaimed role as the Messiah, predicting an apocalyptic event at midnight on October 31, 2007. As the charismatic leader of the Strong City cult, located in a remote corner of New Mexico, Travesser captivates his 56 devoted followers with the promise of salvation and a better place beyond the looming Doomsday. This documentary delves deep into the world of Strong City, examining the unwavering faith of its members who have spent nearly two decades preparing for the end of the world.
Travesser, a former sailor and Seventh Day Adventist minister, claims divine revelations, commanding absolute devotion from his followers. The film captures the intense preparations and psychological hold Travesser exerts over his community. Filmmaker Ben Anthony gains rare access to the Strong City compound, documenting the lives of the cult members as they discuss their readiness to face death and the manipulative tactics Travesser employs. The documentary unveils troubling revelations, including inappropriate relationships and allegations of sexual consummations involving female followers, some of whom are teenagers.
Parents outside the cult desperately attempt to rescue their children from Travesser's grasp, fearing a potential tragedy akin to Jonestown or Waco. The documentary raises critical questions about Travesser's true intentions-whether he is a deluded visionary leading his followers to suicide or a skilled manipulator exploiting their vulnerabilities. While the world did not end on October 31, 2007, the documentary poignantly examines the psychological and emotional impact on the lives of those ensnared in Travesser's apocalyptic vision.
