Why Are Theaters Not Showing Sound of Freedom? Why is Sound of Freedom Controversial?
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 20, 2023
Sound of Freedom
Sound of Freedom is an action film released in 2023, directed and co-written by Alejandro Monteverde. The movie stars Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, and Bill Camp, with Caviezel playing the role of Tim Ballard, a former government agent on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia.
The film is produced by Eduardo Verástegui, who also has a role in the movie. The plot revolves around Ballard's Operation Underground Railroad, although some commentators have raised questions about its accuracy, and Ballard himself has not claimed that the events depicted in the film are entirely based on real occurrences.
Released on July 4, 2023, by Angel Studios, Sound of Freedom has been well-received at the box office, grossing $96 million worldwide, surpassing its $14.5 million budget. The movie has received mixed reviews from critics, but audience reception has been largely positive, praising its powerful portrayal of Ballard's efforts to combat child trafficking.
Why are Theaters Not Showing Sound of Freedom?
Several factors could potentially explain why some theaters might not be showing Sound of Freedom as extensively as other films:
Mixed Reviews and Controversy: Sound of Freedom has faced mixed reviews from critics and controversies surrounding its alleged promotion of pro-QAnon conspiracy theories. Negative press and public discussions about the film's content might have made some theaters cautious about its screening, particularly if they anticipate a potential backlash from certain audiences.
Limited Release: Independent and faith-based films like Sound of Freedom sometimes receive limited releases, especially when they lack the marketing and promotion resources of major Hollywood blockbusters. As a result, the film might not be shown in all theaters across the country, leading to claims of limited availability.
Theaters' Discretion: Theaters have the autonomy to decide which films they want to screen based on various factors, including the film's content, target audience, contractual agreements, and potential profitability. Some theaters might prioritize films with broader mainstream appeal, and this could affect the distribution of smaller, niche films like "Sound of Freedom."
Technical Issues: Some claims made on TikTok suggest that theaters had technical issues, such as malfunctioning air conditioning or lights. Technical problems in specific locations may have contributed to the perception of deliberate sabotage, but it is important to consider that technical difficulties can occur independently of any conspiracy.
Social Media Speculation: Social media platforms like TikTok can amplify and spread rumors quickly, leading to the circulation of conspiracy theories without concrete evidence.
AMC Theatres' CEO, Adam Aron, has publicly refuted the accusations of suppressing attendance for "Sound of Freedom," stating that the film was widely shown across their theaters. However, without further official statements or investigations, it is challenging to determine the veracity of the claims made on TikTok.
Why is Sound of Freedom Controversial?
Sound of Freedom has become controversial due to multiple factors, as mentioned in the previous article and discussions. First and foremost, the film has faced criticism for allegedly promoting pro-QAnon conspiracy theories. Actor Jim Caviezel, who plays Tim Ballard, the real-life anti-child-trafficking campaigner in the movie, has been accused of regularly repeating falsehoods related to the QAnon conspiracy theory.
This association with a controversial and divisive conspiracy theory has drawn attention and skepticism from some viewers and critics. Additionally, the film's mixed reviews from critics may have contributed to its controversial status.
Negative reviews and discussions about the film's content could have influenced some theaters' decisions on its distribution and impacted public perceptions. The controversy surrounding Sound of Freedom has been amplified by the claims made by some TikTok users, who allege that theaters are sabotaging showings of the movie.
They have cited incidents like theaters forgetting to dim the lights or turning off the air conditioning during screenings. However, it is important to note that these claims have not been officially confirmed, and there is no concrete evidence supporting the existence of a widespread conspiracy.
The combination of mixed reviews, allegations of promoting conspiracy theories, and social media speculations about theater sabotage has fueled discussions and debates about the film's message and distribution. As a result, Sound of Freedom has garnered significant attention, both positive and negative, contributing to its controversial status in the public eye.
How Much Money Has Sound of Freedom Made?
Sound of Freedom, despite being produced by a small studio, made a significant impact on its opening day by giving tough competition to the highly anticipated film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. On July 4, 2023, while Indiana Jones grossed just under $11.7 million, Sound of Freedom earned an impressive $11,563,200, despite being shown on fewer screens than the Harrison Ford franchise film.
Part of its success can be attributed to Angel Studio's innovative "Pay it Forward" promotion, where patrons were encouraged to buy gift tickets for others who wanted to watch the movie in theaters for free. This promotional strategy contributed an additional $2,679,000 to Sound of Freedom's box office returns, boosting its opening revenue to a remarkable $14.2 million.
The success of Sound of Freedom continued through its opening week and into its first weekend, grossing $18.2 million from Friday, July 7 to Sunday, July 9, 2023. The film's popularity as a word-of-mouth hit was evident, as it saw a significant increase in its second weekend, bringing in around $27 million from July 14 to July 16. As of now, Sound of Freedom has accumulated an impressive $85,498,581 at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo.
The film's box office performance has far surpassed expectations, making it a major hit. It quickly surpassed the point of breaking even, typically set at around 2.5 times the production budget, which for Sound of Freedom was approximately $36 million. The movie achieved this milestone within a week and has continued to exceed expectations since then.
Is Sound of Freedom Real Story?
Yes, Sound of Freedom is a compelling movie based on the true story of Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security agent, who courageously fights against human trafficking. While the film takes creative liberties for storytelling, it centers on key elements of Tim's journey, showcasing his dedication to justice and the fight for freedom.
Throughout his career, Tim Ballard embarked on numerous rescue missions, both during his time with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and later with his organization, Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.). The film portrays his efforts to rescue victims from human traffickers in various countries, highlighting his ongoing work as CEO of The Nazarene Fund and an ambassador for The Spear Fund.
The decision to establish O.U.R. came from Tim's personal experiences and frustrations within the government system. Bureaucratic challenges and limitations in the system motivated him to form the non-profit organization, which is primarily funded through private donations and partnerships with individuals, organizations, and corporations passionate about combating human trafficking.
Tim's missions have had significant outcomes, resulting in the rescue of numerous victims and the capture of traffickers. By collaborating with local law enforcement and using intelligence from covert operations, Tim's team has played a crucial role in disrupting trafficking networks and providing survivors with the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Despite his commendable efforts, Tim has faced legal obstacles in different countries where he operates. Navigating complex legal landscapes and working with various legal systems have been part of the challenges, but cooperation with law enforcement has helped overcome many hurdles.
The true story behind Tim Ballard's work is ongoing and multifaceted. While Sound of Freedom offers a glimpse into his journey, understanding the complexities of human trafficking and educating oneself on the subject is essential. The film serves as a starting point for individuals to explore reputable resources and take action in the fight against child trafficking. By doing so, everyone can contribute to the cause and make a difference in combating this global crime.
Why are Theaters Not Showing Sound of Freedom? - FAQs
While there have been claims on social media about theaters intentionally sabotaging showings of the film, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of a widespread conspiracy
'Sound of Freedom' has been a box office success, surpassing expectations and grossing $96 million worldwide against its $14.5 million budget.
Yes, 'Sound of Freedom' is based on the true story of Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security agent, and his organization, Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), dedicated to combatting human trafficking.
The film takes certain creative liberties for storytelling purposes, and some commentators have questioned its accuracy.
'Sound of Freedom' has received mixed reviews from critics. However, audience reception has been highly positive, praising the film's powerful portrayal of Tim Ballard's efforts to combat child trafficking and his Operation Underground Railroad.