Survivors and eyewitnesses tell the immersive story of Jim Jones' idealistic organization's final hours that spiraled into a mass casualty event.
Shocking news of the mass murder-suicide in Jonestown reaches the U.S. The White House dispatches the Special Forces to stop the unfolding crisis and locate Jim Jones. Upon arrival, a scene of unimaginable horror confronts them, but hundreds of Jonestown residents are missing, prompting a desperate search for survivors who may have fled into the jungle.
Tensions in Jonestown are at an all-time high after a knife-wielding Temple member attacks Rep. Ryan. Fearing more violence, the congressman and his group hurry out of Jonestown as quickly as possible. Some Temple members come forward to leave with the visitors, desperate for safe passage out of the remote commune. As the group attempts to leave, Jim Jones has other sinister plans.
In the tumultuous 1970s America, Jim Jones is a charismatic church leader, preaching social justice to his growing, diverse congregation. To escape the inequities of the U.S., he sets up Jonestown, a utopian commune in the Guyanese jungle, but shocking rumors of abuse make their way to California’s Rep. Ryan and reporters. Within 24 hours of visiting, they discover their presence is unwelcome.
Survivors and eyewitnesses tell the immersive story of Jim Jones' idealistic organization's final hours that spiraled into a mass casualty event.
David Glover
National Geographic Channels International , 72 Films
