Some allegations made by people interviewed for the film have not been substantiated by law enforcement. FLDS Church leaders and members have historically refused to talk to the news media and remain silent on many of the accusations leveled.

The pro-polygamy group Principle Voices worried the documentary will not distinguish between the FLDS and other groups.

"Even though problems do exist, I feel that in general polygamous families have high moral standards, are hard working and honest people," said Principle Voices' Anne Wilde. "I don't know the solution for this situation, but I can't believe that confusing the social problems of that community with the polygamous lifestyle in general is the answer."

The film is also critical of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accusing it of being too silent on the issue of polygamy.

In the documentary, Allen draws parallels between her own life and those of the ex-FLDS members she interviews. She said she had to become very introspective about her own upbringing.

"It was very emotional. I had to go back and look at some of my own issues," she said.

Allen is not shy about her viewpoints of the FLDS Church and polygamous culture, accusing the religion of fostering abuse and fraud and victimizing children. She believes polygamist men should be prosecuted, as well as their wives.

"If we do that a few times, these women will say no to another marriage because they'll go to jail, too. Let's empower women by making them responsible," she said.

Despite her harsh criticism of the FLDS Church, Allen acknowledged some beauty in the culture.

"They are tremendously creative and so hard working. They have worked all their lives for nothing," she said. "It's why (the film) is called 'Banking on Heaven.' They suffer tremendously in this lifetime and they think this is going to get them to heaven."

The documentary filmmakers are banking on the film's success. On their Web site, www.bankingonheaven.com, they offer the film in bulk. There's a "polygamy pack" of six DVDs, a "Patriarch pack" of 13, and even the "FLDS pack" of 50.

Allen said she plans to donate a portion of the proceeds from DVD sales to The HOPE Organization, a St. George-based nonprofit that helps people leaving polygamy.

"I thought it was really, really good," HOPE Organization director Elaine Tyler said of the documentary. "We welcome any donations to help people."

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com