In this day and age, do people still believe in demons and the devil? Exorcism – the ritual expulsion of evil forces – sounds like a relic from horror films or the Middle Ages. Yet, on social media and in some of Germany’s free churches, this topic is more relevant than ever. Exorcism and demon liberation are no longer fringe phenomena here.

Reporter Jana Gareis spoke with the self-proclaimed exorcist “Nature23,” who also shows his exorcisms on YouTube; she visits the place that became sadly notorious in the 1970s for the deadly exorcisms performed on 23-year-old Anneliese Michel, and she herself participates in a “healing service” in Dortmund. This astonishing film shows how widespread exorcisms still are in Germany and Poland to this day – and the dangers these rituals potentially pose to those involved.

“Y-Kollektiv” is ARD’s youth-focused format for documentaries with a transparent, self-critical approach and depth. The reporters dive into people’s lives with fresh perspectives. The focus is on transparent research, participatory observation, and meeting others on equal terms.