Colonia Dignidad
Series Overview
The self-proclaimed preacher Paul Schäfer gathered people around him in post-war Germany. The sect founded a youth home near Cologne. But in 1961 Schäfer had to flee. Many followers followed him to Chile. 350 kilometers south of Santiago, far away from civilization, they begin building the Colonia Dignidad. A supposed model village with workshops, agriculture, livestock breeding was being created. But paradise became hell because slave labor, violence and sexual abuse soon became a part of everyday life. After the military coup in 1973, Schäfer served the new rulers: secret police chief Manuel Contreras and dictator Augusto Pinochet now came and went in the colony, while the opponents of the terrorist regime are tortured and killed in the cellars. Using unpublished archive material and contemporary witness statements, this 4-part documentary miniseries traces the complex, 50-year history of perpetrators, victims, supporters and opponents of this place that became the epitome of evil.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 4 Episodes
52 min per episode
2020 – 2020
Premiered: Tue, Mar 10, 2020
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 4: “Into the Light”
Sect leader Paul Schäfer expands his empire and creates a human shield to defend the colony against hostilities. Now he opens up the otherwise very isolated Colonia Dignidad to the Chilean population and also assaults Chilean boys. Unlike the German victims, the Chilean boys confide in their parents. They are shocked and take action. More than 30 years after Schäfer's entry into Chile, the Chilean police start investigations - Schäfer's abuse comes to light.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Jonas Baeck
Himself - Narrator
Edeltraud Bohnau
Herself - Interviewee
Willi Malessa
Himself - Interviewee
Wolfgang Kneese
Himself - Interviewee
Erika Tymm
Herself - Interviewee
Günter Schaffrik
Himself - Interviewee
Karl Van Den Berg
Himself - Interviewee
Robert Matthusen
Himself - Interviewee
Esther Müller
Herself - Interviewee
Martin Matthusen
Himself - Interviewee
Anne Schnellenkamp
Herself - Interviewee
Brigitte Baak
Herself - Interviewee
Kurt Schnellenkamp
Himself - Interviewee
Jürgen Szurgelies
Himself - Interviewee
Georg Laube
Himself - Interviewee
Luis Peebles
Himself - Interviewee
Salo Luna
Himself - Interviewee
Roberto Thieme
Himself - Interviewee
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Annette Baumeister, Kai Christiansen, Wilfried Huismann, Heike Bittner
Annette Baumeister, Wilfried Huismann, Cristian Leighton
Hans-Peter Ströer
Michael Dreyer, Erik Schimschar, Johannes Straub
Richard Krause, Ulrich Stein, Marion Pohlschmidt
Gunnar Dedio
Department Leadership Roster
Richard Krause
Editor
Ulrich Stein
Editor
Annette Baumeister
Director
Annette Baumeister
Writer
Kai Christiansen
Director
Wilfried Huismann
Director
Wilfried Huismann
Writer
Heike Bittner
Director
Hans-Peter Ströer
Original Music Composer
Michael Dreyer
Director of Photography
Erik Schimschar
Director of Photography
Johannes Straub
Director of Photography
Marion Pohlschmidt
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Colonia Dignidad.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Colonia Dignidad
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Colonia Dignidad about?
The self-proclaimed preacher Paul Schäfer gathered people around him in post-war Germany. The sect founded a youth home near Cologne. But in 1961 Schäfer had to flee. Many followers followed him to Chile. 350 kilometers south of Santiago, far away from civilization, they begin building the Colonia Dignidad. A supposed model village with workshops, agriculture, livestock breeding was being created. But paradise became hell because slave labor, violence and sexual abuse soon became a part of everyday life. After the military coup in 1973, Schäfer served the new rulers: secret police chief Manuel Contreras and dictator Augusto Pinochet now came and went in the colony, while the opponents of the terrorist regime are tortured and killed in the cellars. Using unpublished archive material and contemporary witness statements, this 4-part documentary miniseries traces the complex, 50-year history of perpetrators, victims, supporters and opponents of this place that became the epitome of evil.
How many seasons does Colonia Dignidad have?
Colonia Dignidad comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Colonia Dignidad?
Key cast members in Colonia Dignidad include Jonas Baeck, Edeltraud Bohnau, Willi Malessa, Wolfgang Kneese, Erika Tymm.
Who created or directed Colonia Dignidad?
Colonia Dignidad was developed and directed by Annette Baumeister, Kai Christiansen, Wilfried Huismann, Heike Bittner.