Ilie Mitaru To Direct ‘Act Of Service’ Documentary Focusing On Equine Therapy For Incarcerated Vets; Alex Lieberman Produces

EXCLUSIVE: A new documentary highlights a rehabilitation program inside a Texas jail that uses equine therapy and horse training for incarcerated veterans.

Act of Service comes from director Ilie Mitaru, and the film is based on his award-winning BBC reporting about the program.

The film is produced by Peabody Award winner Alex Lieberman with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) joining as an executive producer.

The documentary provides access to the veterans at the center of the program all as they confront invisible wounds of military service while navigating incarceration, addiction, fractured relationships and the difficult process of building a life after confinement. The program is part of Veterans Accessing Lifelong Opportunities for Rehabilitation (VALOR) in Collin County, Texas, an initiative launched by Judge John Roach Jr, presiding judge of the North Texas Veterans Court and a Marine Corps veteran.

Sheriff Jim Skinner, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and Judge Roach, both seasoned horsemen, developed the equine therapy initiative, with support from horse trainer and Vietnam veteran Pat Puckett.

The IAVA’s involvement is part of its work to elevate stories that help Americans better understand the full range of veteran experiences.

Act of Service is produced by Mitaru’s Format Films, in association with Bright West Entertainment. The film is directed and produced by Mitaru alongside producer Lieberman. Dr. Kyleanne Hunter and Manuel Gomez also serve as executive producers.

“This story challenged many of my own assumptions about incarceration, veterans, and what healing can actually look like,” said Mitaru. “What began as a journalistic assignment became something much deeper. The veterans who trusted us with their stories revealed extraordinary resilience and humanity in a place most people never think to look. I hope this film invites audiences to reconsider who we deem worthy of compassion, and what becomes possible when we create space for redemption.”

Said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of IAVA and a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan: “Ilie and Alex have approached this project with rare integrity and a clear commitment to telling these veterans’ stories the right way. IAVA is committed to ensuring that veterans are seen beyond the uniform and in their full humanity, especially when the stories are hard to tell. We are proud to executive produce a film that brings these experiences forward with honesty and care.”

Added Lieberman: “Ilie is the ideal director to capture the incredible work of the VALOR program. At its core, this film is about empathy, challenging assumptions, and bringing an overlooked experience into the national conversation. We look forward to bringing this film to audiences in the coming year.”