The faith-centric film “Sound of Freedom” tells the incredible story of a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent’s dedication to rescuing trafficked children. Based on actual events, the story follows Jim Caviezel’s (“The Passion of Christ”) portrayal of Agent Tim Ballard’s “relentless pursuit of justice [that] exposes the dark underbelly of this horrific global crime, leaving an indelible impact on the fight for freedom.”
“Sound of Freedom” follows Ballard in rescuing a young brother and sister from Columbian child traffickers. According to Today, “The movie includes fictionalized versions of some real-life people, including Ballard and his wife Katherine. Many of the film’s supporting characters are based on or inspired by real-life trafficking victims and perpetrators that Ballard reportedly encountered during his rescue missions.”
The plotline follows Ballard as he leaves the DHS and founds Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), an anti-child-trafficking organization.
Angel Studios Expands Distribution Globally
The docudrama’s unexpected success at the box office can be attributed to the audience’s interest in learning more about human trafficking.
“Sound of Freedom” opened exclusively in the United States on July 4, 2023. On opening day, the film replaced Disney’s “Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny” as No. 1 at the box office with a total revenue of $14.2 million. The following day, $4 million placed it at No. 2.
According to Christian Headlines, Angel Studios SVP of Global Distribution, Jerry Geesey, said, “We’re so thrilled. I know it’s been a surprise to Hollywood.” The startling success of “Sound of Freedom” prompted the film’s distributor to announce it was planning to open in more theaters on July 14-16 weekend.
“Since “Sound of Freedom” launched in the U.S., demand has been building worldwide in dozens of regions and languages,” Geesey continued.
“Child trafficking is a global issue, and we hope to build on the incredible momentum here in the states and share the film’s powerful message worldwide.”
By July 26 — its third week — it made $126 million in U.S. theaters. As a result of the unexpected summer hit, Angel Studios will distribute “Sound of Freedom” internationally. It will show in South Africa beginning on August 18 and in Australia and New Zealand on August 24.
Then, on August 31, cinemas in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. The UK and Ireland audiences can see “Sound of Freedom” beginning on September 1 and in Spain on October 11.
“Sound of Freedom” Receives Mixed Reviews
While most reviews for the docudrama are positive, it cannot be denied that some have criticized the film and the way the film presents its anti-trafficking narratives.
One of the reasons “Sound of Freedom” has stirred controversy is the story tackles a challenging subject matter.
Nonetheless, this partially crowdfunded movie has won the strong support of Christians and conservative groups.
“Sound of Freedom” detractors have complained about the film’s widespread acclaim from the far-right and QAnon conspiracy theorists.
Furthermore, Media Matters pointed to the movie’s star, Jim Caviezel’s “false statements about child kidnapping, […] truly bizarre accusations about Ukrainian biolabs, and mass organ harvesting.” However, “Sound of Freedom” distributor, Angel Studios, disavowed Caviezel’s statements on Twitter X, saying his words were not theirs. In the following sentence, Angel Studios praised the actor’s portrayal of Tim Ballard.
The Bible explains everyone’s responsibility to keep children safe. Psalms 127: 3 “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”
Learn more about the international war against trafficking in persons on July 30.
Written by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
Angel Studios: Sound of Freedom
Media Matters: Jim Caviezel pushes QAnon in bizarre media blitz for new anti-trafficking movie; By John Knefel, Jack Wheatley, and Justin Horowitz
Deadline: ‘Sound Of Freedom’ Set For Release In Multiple International Markets Including UK & Australia From Angel Studios; By Zac Ntim
Newsweek: ‘Sound of Freedom’ Is the Astonishing Box Office Success of the summer; By Ryan Smith
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Angel Studios Media Assets
First Inset Image by Hanna Zhyhar Courtesy of Unsplash
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Angel Studios Media Assets
