Controversial New Film Details the Rise, Fall, and Return, of Todd Bentley

Online, May 24, 2011 (Newswire.com) - LONDON, England - Lakeland: The Movie, a 70 minute behind-the-scenes Documentary of the 2008 Florida Outpouring is now available for online rental through the film's website.

This miracle-making revival exploded overnight in the small city of Lakeland, Florida in April 2008. Branded: "The Florida Outpouring", millions of people from around the world were reached with the message of the God's power. Tens of thousands reported experiencing miracles through their televisions and laptops while watching the nightly broadcasts. Revival-goers journeyed to Lakeland to receive these miracles through Todd Bentley-- a tattooed, pierced preacher, who hosted the nightly prayer meetings.

As the Outpouring was the first of its kind to be covered through live television, it attracted global media attention from Geraldo Rivera, the BBC and ABC News. Bentley and his team began a world tour, promising to take the supernatural miracles to every corner of the world.

"I was passionate about filming at the Lakeland Outpouring for good reason", says director Roy Petersen, "It had a controversial young preacher who sees Angels and brings fiery miracles to millions of people". The filmmaker, a believer in the power of revival, traveled to Florida from his home in London, England, with hopes of documenting the perfect display of God's power, but he soon discovered a darker underbelly to the movement. In the midst of his world-wide acclaim, Bentley disappeared from public ministry when rumors of adultery, divorce, and breakdown spread across social networks. This began a two year journey for the film crew, and the movie took a new turn: "the search for Todd Bentley".

About Lakeland: The Movie
As Lakeland: The Movie is the first documentary to cover the inner-workings of a charismatic revival, Petersen feels that the film has become, "A cautionary tale: A warning to future evangelists on how not to 'do' revival." While the movie opens with the extremes of church-goers "manifesting" and shaking uncontrollably, it also explores the heartfelt stories of Christians who were transformed by the Florida Outpouring. The conclusion reveals Bentley's explosive and redemptive return to revival ministry.

The film has already received a CBC media award for best documentary. TVF International has begun worldwide distribution of a television-formatted version of the film. Director Roy Petersen is available for screenings and interview requests. Lakeland: The Movie is now available for rent on the film's web site, www.lakeland-themovie.com A free preview is also included on the site.