The faith-based, award-winning film ‘Paradise Recovered’ is now available for viewers to own on DVD through Amazon. The DVD includes such bonus features as a Filmmaker’s Commentary and a short documentary, ‘Beyond Paradise,’ which illustrates the problem of spiritual abuse in modern culture.

‘Paradise Recovered’ is also available on Video On Demand, through such cable companies as Cox and Comcast. The drama is also streaming through Amazon, iTunes, Blockbuster On Demand and Vudu.

The movie, which is being distributed by Monarch Home Entertainment, marks the feature film directorial debut of University of Texas graduate Storme Wood. ‘Paradise Recovered’ also marks the first produced feature script by screenwriter and producer Andie Redwine. The ensemble cast includes Heather Wallis, Andrew Sensenig and Richard Dillard, and introduces Dane Seth Hurlburt and Oliver Luke.

‘Paradise Recovered,’ which premiered at the Heartland Film Festival in the fall of 2010, and also premiered at the Austin Film Festival in the same week, was produced by Wood and Redwine. Ron Becker served as the Executive Producer.

The film tells the story of Esther Harris, played by Wallis, a young woman who is praised for her virtue and devotion. When her fundamentalist sect experiences hard times, she begins working at a local health food store to supplement the group’s income. At the store, Esther begins re-examining her human worth and faith after sharing her devotion to the group with her manager, Gabriel, portrayed by Hurlburt.

Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center of Albany, Ohio, has teamed up with ‘Paradise Recovered.’ Wellspring is an accredited residential treatment center for those who have been abused in cults or relationships resulting in emotional betrayal and/or physical harm. The center offers help through counseling, education and rest.

Written by: Karen Benardello