Film Screening Highlights Edmond Soldier's Plight

Havonna Johnson, News 9

A documentary about Edmond soldier First Lieutenant Michael Behenna who is serving a 15-year military prison sentence will debut at the deadCenter Film Festival Saturday. The soldier's parents hosted a private screening of the 70-minute film "Purple Hearts, A Requiem for Mad Dog Five," in their Edmond home Thursday.

Vicki and Scott Behenna say anyone who watches this documentary will experience the emotional highs and lows of the Mad Dog Fifth Platoon. It chronicles their son's military prison sentence as well as the platoon's service and mission. Lt. Behenna was convicted of killing an al Qaeda member.

The film is narrated by Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons and is produced by Michael Wilkerson. The powerful narration coupled with chilling testimonials from soldiers is told from the family's and service members' points of view. The Behennas say that Michael's story will resonate with Americans.

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"This story is not over, Michael is still in prison and although we feel his appeal will be successful, we don't know when," said Scott Behenna, Michael's father.

You can see the movie for $10 at the deadCenter film festival on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Saturday is the only showing. The film's producers hope to have it distributed nationwide.

For more information about how you can see the film visit http://defendmichael.com.