Sound of Freedom Just Hit An Amazing Milestone
Angel Studios’ film Sound of Freedom has taken the summer box office by storm and, according to Deadline, has surpassed $100 million in just 16 days since its release. The box office success comes as a surprise considering the low-budget independent film came from a small studio and was released in theaters on July 4, a day that is traditionally dead at the cinema.
Sound of Freedom has made over $100 million at the box office in a little over two weeks.
But it seems like the movie has captivated audiences among various demographics, particularly red states, flyover states, and among faith-based communities, due to its powerful and important subject matter—anti-child trafficking.
Sound of Freedom tackles the grave issue of child trafficking, looking at the heart-wrenching plight of victims caught in this horrific trade. The film’s focus on such a sensitive and crucial topic has resonated deeply with audiences, especially those who seek films with meaning that impact the world.
Angel Studios, the production company behind the film, employed crowdfunding for Sound of Freedom‘s production and marketing, managing to attract investors willing to back the project. Additionally, right-wing groups crowdfunded tickets for those who could not afford them.
Albright says Sound of Freedom’s depiction of child trafficking victims being abducted by strangers in parking lots or alleyways is a misleading and commonly perpetuated urban legend.
However, amidst its success, the movie has faced criticism from anti-child trafficking experts who argue that it presents a sensationalized and inaccurate perspective of child trafficking. Sound of Freedom centers on the mission of a former Homeland Security agent who embarks on a quest to rescue children from a Colombian trafficking ring.
According to real-life anti-trafficking experts, is a sensational approach similar to the 2008 film Taken. Erin Albright, an attorney and former fellow for the Department of Justice’s anti-trafficking task force, says movies like this spread misinformation and fail to capture the harrowing reality of what human trafficking really is.
She shed light on the fact that many cases involve un-homed LGBTQ youth forced into the sex trade as a means of survival, as well as children whose parents, struggling with drug addiction, subject them to the horrors of trafficking.
Albright says Sound of Freedom’s depiction of child trafficking victims being abducted by strangers in parking lots or alleyways is a misleading and commonly perpetuated urban legend. In truth, many victims fall prey to trafficking through trusting relationships with their exploiters.
She shed light on the fact that many cases involve un-homed LGBTQ youth forced into the sex trade as a means of survival, as well as children whose parents, struggling with drug addiction, subject them to the horrors of trafficking.
Nevertheless, Sound of Freedom has had an incredible debut. Within the first ten days, the movie had already amassed nearly $50 million, swiftly outperforming its $14.5 million budget and establishing itself as an immediate box-office success. Having only been in theaters for a little over two weeks, the film shows no sign of slowing down and may turn out to be one of the year’s biggest hits.
Sound of Freedom stars Jim Caviezel, known for his iconic role as Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, as well as Mira Sorvino and Bill Camp. The script for the feature was penned by Rod Barr and Alejandro Monteverde and was directed by Monteverde.
If you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of human trafficking, remember that help is available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or by texting “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733.
