Wild Wild Country (Netflix 2018, Ma Anand Sheela, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh)

In not to be missed documentary series Wild Wild Country, when the world’s most controversial guru builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert, a massive conflict with local ranchers ensues; producing the first bioterror attack in US history, the largest case of illegal wiretapping ever recorded, and the world’s biggest collection of Rolls-Royce automobiles.

Over six episodes, Directors Chapman Way and Maclain Way and executive producers Mark and Jay Duplass  take viewers back to this pivotal, yet largely forgotten moment in American cultural history, one in which our national tolerance for the separation of church and state was sorely tested. Wild Wild Country is historical filmmaking brought to life on an epic scale. It’s a tale so wild that seeing means barely believing.

production details
USA / Netflix / 6×65 minutes / Released 16 March 2018

Chapman Way, Maclain Way as Directors
Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass as Executive Producers

cast
Ma Anand Sheela as Herself
Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh as Himself (archive footage)
Jane Stork as Herself
Philip Toelkes as Himself
Jon Bowerman as Himself
Ma Prem Sunshine as Herself
Krishna Devi as Himself (archive footage)
George Meredith as Himself (archive footage)

EPISODE GUIDE
Part 1: Under the watchful eye of his secretary, Ma Anand Sheela, spiritual guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh relocates his ashram from India to Oregon in 1981.

Part 2: The Bhagwan’s flamboyant followers irk the tight-knit locals, who pursue legal action against the commune. But Sheela retaliates with a cunning plan.

Part 3: Sheela emerges as a provocative spokeswoman. As Election Day approaches, the Rajneeshees recruit thousands of homeless people to fortify their ranks.

Part 4: Local officials try to build a case against the Rajneeshees. When Sheela’s thirst for power turns violent, the Bhagwan finally breaks his silence.

Part 5: The bitter feud between Sheela and the Bhagwan divides the community — and opens the door for the FBI. At the ranch, a task force amasses evidence.

Part 6: The Bhagwan flees the ranch. Sheela and several followers are arrested in Germany. The Bhagwan’s devotees — and his enemies — reflect on his legacy.