Film gives look into polygamy
 
By Patrice St. Germain
patrices@thespectrum.com
If you go
  • Laurie Allen, the producer, writer, narrator and editor of the documentary "Banking on Heaven," will be at the Book Cellar on Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a brief preview of her movie followed by a discussion on polygamy and a question-and-answer period. Allen will be on hand to sign copies of her DVD. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hope Organization, a local nonprofit that helps those who are trying to leave or have left polygamy.

  • Seating is limited at the Book Cellar, which is located at 130 N. Main St. in St. George, so RSVP is requested by calling (435) 652-0227.

  • Additional information about Allen’s film may be found on her Web site at www.bankingonheaven.com. Information about The Hope Organization and information about its upcoming fundraising dinner and silent auction may be found at www.thehopeorg.org on the Internet.

In the last year, the Book Cellar has been hosting community events that, as co-owner Margi LaPorte said, make people think.

This week, Laurie Allen, the producer, narrator, editor and writer of the film "Banking on Heaven," will be at the Book Cellar to bring more awareness about polygamy and the Hildale and Colorado City communities.

"People have been asking for this kind of thing — to have a venue for community discussions on local history, events and controversies," LaPorte said.

For her part, Allen said she made a brief film during her one-year crash course in film school.

That film was honored at the school for best film and director, which prompted Allen to make a full feature.

"I started hearing about all the brutalities (in Colorado City and Hildale) and I have a lot of relatives in that area and decided someone needed to tell the real story," Allen said.

Allen was raised in polygamy.

Allen said she is hoping people will come to the Book Cellar and support the cause and gain more awareness about polygamy.

She stressed that her presentation is not about blame, but aims to get more people involved in what she calls a violation of human rights.

"This is just like the civil right movement. If the American people get behind the cause, it gets cleaned up quickly," Allen said. "This (polygamy) is a big blight on our culture."
 
TheSpectrum.com
Originally published September 23, 2007
 
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