OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The massive tornado that hit Moore nearly a year ago killed 24 people and affected the lives of virtually everyone in the Oklahoma City suburb, and a new film captures the role that faith played in the lives of some residents during the recovery.
Gov. Mary Fallin on Tuesday joined emergency responders, volunteers, parents and teachers from Moore at a private screening of the soon-to-be released documentary film, “Where Was God?” at Moore’s Warren Theater, which was among the hundreds of buildings that were damaged in the May 20, 2013, storm.
“I think this film will help with the healing process of all Oklahomans, and especially those who lost their loved ones here in Moore, Oklahoma, and I hope it will be a great encouragement as we come upon the one-year anniversary of the May tornado,” Fallin said. “It shows the strength and the resilience of Oklahoma.”
The film tells the story of the tornado through several families who survived the storm, including Scott and Stacy McCabe, whose son Nicolas was one of seven children who were killed at Plaza Towers Elementary School. It also includes interviews with first responders, school teachers and administrators.
The EF5 tornado, which had winds that exceeded 200 mph, destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings, including two elementary schools.
Danni Legg, whose son Christopher was among the children killed at Plaza Towers, said she found the stories of hope in the film very compelling.
“It’s bittersweet,” said Legg, who has become an advocate for putting storm shelters in schools and is running for a seat in the Oklahoma Legislature.
Jan Davis, who worked at a credit union that was destroyed by the tornado, said the film captures the tough spirit of Oklahomans.
“I think the people of Oklahoma and the people of Moore are very resilient, and that was a great portrayal,” Davis said after the showing.
The film, supported in part by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, opens Friday at the Warren Theater in Moore.
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