top of page

"compelling and heart wrenching..."

TWS LOGO.jpg

"brilliant in the way it weaves a complex and compelling story..."

B36EE60F-353D-4A32-B518-22BC70593838_1_201_a.jpeg
From Heroes to Handcuffs

THOSE
WHO
SERVE

Pasadena

International Film Festival

Finalist
Rhode Island International

Film Festival

THOSE WHO SERVE TRAILER

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?

 

Synopsis

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)

News

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
IMG_4903.JPG
recep.jpg
Contact
Mark Stillion and Jeff Werner at Festival Screening
        Screening Reception American Legion  Post 43

American Legion Post 43 Screening Welcome

Screen Shot 2020-05-15 at 3.00.45 PM.png
Liz  Valdez and Jeff Werner at Festival Screening
Attorney Bill Paparian at Vets Day Screening
Wash.jpg
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

FOR MORE INFORMATION & EVENTS, JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Thanks for submitting!

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

bottom of page