Master hypnotist Olliver Hawk (1930-1988) was a superstar in his time. Having started his career in Australia, the hypnotist became famous in Finland in the 1960s when hundreds of thousands of people saw Hawk’s hypnosis show. In addition to his performances, Hawk accepted private customers with mental disorders, which put him on trial for fraud. His talents transformed him from showman to political power player. Archive footage illustrates the making of a personality cult and weaves a fascinating exploration of power, truth and myth. This transfixing Cold-War docu-thriller tells about the risks of populism and public manipulation, and the rise and fall of a mysterious man.

Presented at CPH:DOX festival.