The Darkness within La Luz del Mundo

Carlos Pérez Osorio's 2023 documentary concerns accusations against the leadership of a large church of Mexican origin. Members of the congregation speak on camera for the first time. At the centre are allegations of sexual abuse of underage members. The narrative explains the structure of the congregation, the leader's position and why the complaints could not be raised for years; family pressure and the fear of exclusion come forward. The legal process is the documentary's second line. The trial and conviction of the church leader in the United States are recounted. The church leadership denies the allegations and the documentary records that stance too. Who it's for: those who follow investigative documentary and cases of institutional abuse. Who it's not for: viewers for whom accounts of child abuse would sit heavily; the testimony is detailed.