"compelling and heart wrenching..."
"brilliant in the way it weaves a complex and compelling story..."
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP2SM8B8 @thosewhoservethemovie
From Heroes to Handcuffs
THOSE
WHO
SERVE
Pasadena
International Film Festival
Finalist
Rhode Island International
Film Festival
THOSE WHO SERVE TRAILER
SYNOPSIS
THOSE WHO SERVE tells the intimate story of 3 psychologically wounded Veterans who return home only to wind up committing crimes against the very same communities they risked their lives to protect. Two are charged with murder and one with dealing drugs.
This feature length documentary follows their criminal cases as they struggle to find a just outcome in our nation's courtrooms.
The film asks to what extent should their psychological disorders, stemming from their service to our country, be considered mitigating circumstances in a court of law. What should justice look like when the offender is, himself/herself, a victim?
REVIEWS
"This film portrays the unfortunate reality for too many of our nation’s heroes and offers three real-life tragic examples of what happens in our court rooms every week in this country. The film explores those very issues in a compelling and heart wrenching manner and will raise awareness of this important issue."
Jim Seward, Council on Criminal Justice, Director, National Veterans Justice Commission
.
"This film is especially thought provoking and forces a reaction from the viewer. I think this film demands that we re-examine what America’s moral obligation is to its returning veteran population.” Scott Tirocchi – Director, Justice for Vets
"This entertaining and educational documentary is brilliant in the way it weaves a complex and compelling story, bringing in the variety of perspectives from veterans, their families, the victims, lawyers and advocates from both sides. Wouldn’t it be cool if there was more films like this and platforms to talk about them." Caroline Jacoby, Center for Communications, Johns Hopkins University.
" Your film is fabulous in demonstrating why the criminal justice system needs to hone in even more in its treatment of combat veterans.”
The Honorable Justice Eileen Moore
“Excellent film and really strong depiction of what too many service members go through while deployed and when back home. You did an incredible job presenting their stories in an accurate and complete manner. It's important to not shy away from any crimes committed but to also make sure that the reality that each individual's past played in getting to that point.” Jeremy Butler - CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
THE CAPITOL HILL SCREENING and PANEL
The Honorable Jim Costa (Ca.21) greets Jeff Werner at Capitol Hill screening and panel
The Panel - Naike Savain, Mark Stillion, Jeff Werner, Caroline Jacoby, Jim Seward
The Panel Discussion on Capitol Hill - pre Screening
Jim Seward explains the work of CCJ's Veterans Justice Commission
Post Screening Panel -Hollywood American Legion Post 43
Dr. Cynthia Boyd at Veterans Day Screening
Mark Stillion and Jeff Werner at Festival Screening
Screening Reception American Legion Post 43
American Legion Post 43 Screening Welcome
Liz Valdez and Jeff Werner at Festival Screening
Attorney Bill Paparian at Vets Day Screening
Panel at Justice 4 Vets screening, Washington DC.
American Legion Post 43 Defense Attorney William Paparian, L.A. Deputy District Attorney Sharon Woo with
Director Jeff Werner
Dr. Cynthia Boyd, Producer Frank Connelly, Director Jeff Werner at American Legion Post 43 Screening
Credits
Produced, Written & Directed by JEFF WERNER
Produced by KENNETH A. CARLSON & FRANK CONNELLY
Edited by SARAH BROCKHOFF
Cinematography by JEFF WERNER
Original Score by ROBERT WERNER
Featuring
Elizabeth Valdez
Rick Tapia
William Paparian
Ed Nison
Mark Stillion
Sergio Antoniuk
Kim Hassett
Judge Michael Tynan
Dr. Cynthia Boyd
Sloan Otsbye
Pat Espinosa
Tony Strouth
Vernie Strouth
Brock Hunter
Ryan Else