Influence Poster

Influence 2020

★ 7.07 votes90 min📅 2020-01-27

"The rise and fall of the world's most dangerous PR company"

Delve into the shadows of PR warfare with *Influence (2020)*, a gripping documentary that uncovers the explosive rise and dramatic fall of Bell Pottinger, the British firm infamous for weaponizing communication.

Director: Richard Poplak

Cast

Ron Leagas
Self - Former Managing Director, Saatchi & Saatchi
John Hegarty
Self - Founding Shareholder, Saatchi & Saatchi
Phumzile Van Damme
Self - Opposition Politician
David Wynne-Morgan
Self - Public Relations Pioneer
Sergio Bitar
Self - Minister of Mining in Salvador Allende's Government
Ralph Mathekga
Self - Political Analyst, Clearcontent Research
F.W. de Klerk
Self - Former President of South Africa
Chester Crocker
Self - Former Assistant Secretary of State for African's Affairs
Andile Mngxitama
Andile Mngxitama
Self - Founder of Black First Land First Party
Alex Goldfarb
Self - Russian Political Activist

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Influence (2020) about?

*Influence* explores the meteoric rise and spectacular downfall of Bell Pottinger, a British PR firm that pioneered weaponized communication. The documentary traces its strategies, from shaping political narratives to orchestrating corporate crises, before its unraveling exposed the firm's role in global deception.

Who directed Influence?

*Influence* was directed by Richard Poplak, an investigative journalist and filmmaker known for his incisive work on media and power dynamics.

Who stars in Influence?

The documentary features key interviews with Ron Leagas, John Hegarty, Phumzile Van Damme, and Sergio Bitar, alongside expert commentary from industry insiders.

Is Influence (2020) worth watching?

As a documentary thriller, *Influence* delivers high stakes and real-world intrigue, making it essential viewing for those fascinated by media manipulation. Its sharp storytelling and high-profile subject matter ensure it's both informative and gripping, even without a traditional rating.

How long is Influence?

The runtime of *Influence* is 90 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Influence (2020) — The Dark Truth Behind Bell Pottinger's PR Empire

Delve into the shadows of PR warfare with *Influence (2020)*, a gripping documentary that uncovers the explosive rise and dramatic fall of Bell Pottinger, the British firm infamous for weaponizing communication. Directed by Richard Poplak, this 90-minute film dissects how the company morphed into a global player in reputation management, only to become embroiled in scandal after scandal. Through sharp investigative storytelling, it exposes the manipulation tactics that shaped politics, corporate battles, and public perception. With an atmosphere thick with tension and revelation, *Influence* offers a chilling look at power, spin, and the fragile trust between the public and those who shape their narratives.

Renowned for its unflinching portrayal of media manipulation, the film features interviews with key figures, including Ron Leagas and Phumzile Van Damme, alongside insights from industry critics. Poplak's direction keeps the pace relentless, blending archival footage with expert analysis to reveal the inner workings of one of the world's most controversial PR empires. Whether you're a student of media, a history buff, or simply captivated by high-stakes drama, *Influence* is a must-watch for anyone questioning the real power behind the headlines.