Community Partner
Directors Diana Neille and Richard Poplak craft a thorough study of modern communication’s politicization through this profile of Lord Timothy Bell, the notorious British public relations magnate. Bell started his career in advertising, but gained notoriety by spinning Margaret Thatcher’s image into the “Iron Lady,” and leading her to her first general election victory in 1979. Later on, his PR firm, Bell Pottinger, became infamous for unscrupulous practices that aimed to polish the image of unpopular politicians and dictators across the globe. Blending fascinating archival footage with an extended interview with Bell himself, Neille and Poplak’s frighteningly relevant investigation is illuminating, especially in this era of alternative facts and widespread use of weaponized communications.
Did you enjoy this film? Have any comments or questions? You can send filmmakers your feedback by leaving them a written or video note at feedback@doxafestival.ca.
- Year2020
- Runtime106 minutes
- CountryCanada, South Africa
- DirectorRichard Poplak, Diana Neille
Community Partner
Directors Diana Neille and Richard Poplak craft a thorough study of modern communication’s politicization through this profile of Lord Timothy Bell, the notorious British public relations magnate. Bell started his career in advertising, but gained notoriety by spinning Margaret Thatcher’s image into the “Iron Lady,” and leading her to her first general election victory in 1979. Later on, his PR firm, Bell Pottinger, became infamous for unscrupulous practices that aimed to polish the image of unpopular politicians and dictators across the globe. Blending fascinating archival footage with an extended interview with Bell himself, Neille and Poplak’s frighteningly relevant investigation is illuminating, especially in this era of alternative facts and widespread use of weaponized communications.
Did you enjoy this film? Have any comments or questions? You can send filmmakers your feedback by leaving them a written or video note at feedback@doxafestival.ca.
- Year2020
- Runtime106 minutes
- CountryCanada, South Africa
- DirectorRichard Poplak, Diana Neille