DOCUTAH Screens Prophet's Prey; Film Chronicles Warren Jeffs' FLDS Abuse of Power

ST. GEORGE, Utah, Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Dixie State University and the DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival™ today announced that it will screen Prophet's Prey at the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, UT on September 11 at 8 P.M. The film, based on the New York Times Best Seller of the same name by Private Investigator Sam Brower, chronicles his ten year investigation into the Mormon Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and the abuse of power by FLDS leader Warren Jeffs in the nearby towns of Colorado City, Arizona and Hildale in Southern Utah where it all started. Brower will attend the Festival this year and hold a Q&A following the screening. More….

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With polygamy long disavowed by the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon), Warren Jeffs, the self-described Prophet of the FLDS, "took control and bridged the gap between sister wives and ecclesiastical rape, befuddling the moral compass of his entire congregation," according to the write up for the documentary trailer.

"This film is not meant to polarize anyone; on the contrary, the hope is that it will bring people together to confront a common problem right here in America," said Brower. "It is about human rights and a moral imperative to intervene and stop the crimes against children in these communities, where young girls are basically being trafficked, young boys are being ostracized and left to fend for themselves for vague and minor offenses against the cult and families are being torn apart by corrupt leaders."

The film, written and directed by Academy Award nominee Amy Berg, states that it "examines Warren Jeffs' life and rise to power; eventually becoming worshipped and adored in the same manner his adherents revere God himself. Despite a trail of abuse and ruined lives, Warren has maintained his grip on power," even from his Texas jail cell where he is serving out a life sentence plus 20 years, for the ritualistic rape of a twelve year old and thirteen year old little girls.

"We felt it was important to give this subject as wide an audience as possible because the subject matter is not about religion. It is about human rights," said Phil Tuckett, Artistic Director for DOCUTAH™, associate professor at Dixie State University and the Director of DSU Films. "We hope that by showing the film in the area where the FLDS started, we could engender more interest in addressing this issue."

The 2015 DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival is held at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah and runs from September 8-12 and includes filmmaker chats, seminars and gala events, all within the beautiful scenery of Southern Utah's red rock country.

About DOCUTAH

DOCUTAH's mission is to inspire a global connection through independent documentary films and intellectual discussions. www.docutah.com.

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