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GLORIAVALE

‘GLORIAVALE’ is a feature length observational documentary by filmmakers Noel Smyth and Fergus Grady.

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.

Roles:  Writer, Co-Director | Co-Producer | co-Cinematographer, Co-Editor, Drone Operator

REVIEWS

★★★★
“A beautifully crafted film that reveals the shocking truths about life at Gloriavale, and the impact on those who were part of it.”
Francesca Rudkin - Newstalk

★★★★
"Fascinating and well-deserved tribute"
Sandra Hall - The Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★
"Lifting the veil on 'New Zealand's secret cult' and its fall from utopian ideal to Animal Farm-esque nightmare, this enlightening, heartrending, rage-inducing documentary follows former members as they battle for justice and reform from the outside. An excellent, powerful primer on the history, controversy and concern surrounding Gloriavale." 
James Croot - Stuff.co.nz

★★★★
“This documentary feature speaks for itself with damning evidence and resounding purpose”
Leigh Farrugia - Moviedoc

“Gloriavale is a must-watch documentary”
Courtney Thompson - InStyle

“Stunning, gut-wrenching and infuriating viewing”
Sarah Ward - Concrete Playground

“This is a side of New Zealand you know nothing about”
Melanie Reid - Newsroom

"A heartbreaking tale of faith betrayed" 
Steve Newall - Flicks

“A devastating new documentary”
Emma Clifton - Capsule

“A classic legal tale of David vs Goliath…Infinitely shocking”
At Darren’s World of Entertainment

“Provides astonishing insight”
Newshub

“Thrumming with urgency and blessed with remarkable access”
Tom Augustine, NZ Herald

"Critically-acclaimed documentary...has sparked a national conversation in New Zealand"
Adrienne Tam - Mamamia

"The documentary makes clear that on the totem pole of power, women sit at the very bottom"
Julie Fenwick - VICE