Documentary Competition

Director: DIANA NEILLE, RICHARD POPLAK
CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA
2020, 105'

This story of influence and weaponized communication centers on the infamous Lord Tim Bell and his associates, known for their controversial geopolitical spin-doctoring. Bell, who started his career in advertising, had an affinity for difficult briefs and “people with problems,” as he liked to call them. He designed campaigns for unpopular politicians, dictators, disgraced companies, and celebrities. Using a fascinating blend of archival footage and interviews with Bell and the people who worked with, for, or against him, the filmmakers conduct an impressively thorough investigation into the politicization of modern communication.

Diana Neille born in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. She lived in Germany for a short stint before completing her Master of Science degree in journalism and documentary filmmaking at Columbia University in 2011. She has subsequently co-founded two media startups with the intention of fostering long-form investigative storytelling and documentary filmmaking.

Richard Poplak has become one of the most controversial political journalists in South Africa. He has worked as a freelance journalist and writer since 2005. Before he became a journalist, Richard trained as a filmmaker and fine artist at Montreal’s Concordia University (1992-1995) and has produced and directed numerous music videos, television commercials, and documentary films. He has reported from over 30 developing countries, and he was part of a team that won the prestigious Global Shining Light Award for investigative journalism.