Jim Caviezel’s "Sound of Freedom," the anti-human trafficking film by Catholic filmmakers Eduardo Verastegui and Alejandro Monteverde, dominated the box office on its opening day, surpassing Disney's fifth installment of the "Indiana Jones" franchise.
The film garnered $14.24 million, securing the number one spot and outperforming its competition.
Despite playing in only 2,600 theaters, "Sound of Freedom" managed to surpass Disney's "Indiana Jones," which had a budget of $295 million, played in more theaters, and earned $11.69 million on July 4. The Catholic film, made with a production budget of $14.5 million, showcased its tremendous appeal and resonated with audiences across the country.
The purpose of "Sound of Freedom" is to shed light on the plight of the approximately 2 million children exploited each year in the global sex trafficking trade. The film tells the true story of Tim Ballard, portrayed by Jim Caviezel, a Homeland Security agent who risks his life to save hundreds of children from sex traffickers in the treacherous Colombian jungle.
Eduardo Verastegui, the film's producer and actor, explained that he met Ballard and his team, comprised of former Navy SEALs, FBI, and CIA agents, in Los Angeles eight years ago. Upon hearing the horrific details of the children's suffering, Verastegui was deeply moved and inspired to take action.
"The pain, the suffering of these children, of course, on one hand, I was very inspired by their work; on the other hand, I was in shock, I was depressed, I couldn't sleep for many days," Verastegui shared.
He highlighted Ballard's revelation that the United States is the leading consumer of child abuse and Mexico as the primary provider. Verastegui questioned why the problem persists despite the resources and capabilities of powerful nations, to which Ballard responded, "Because it's not a priority."
Motivated to combat child trafficking, Verastegui recognized the power of film as a medium to educate and inspire. He realized that he was called to create a movie and devote his life to joining forces with Ballard and others to eradicate this heinous reality.
"We need a movement," Verastegui emphasized. By building public awareness and placing pressure on governments, he believes child trafficking can become a priority and be addressed collectively by society, government, entertainment, and the news media.
Initially produced under 20th Century Fox and completed in 2018, "Sound of Freedom" faced obstacles when Disney acquired the studio. However, the film found a new home with Christian studio "Angel Studios," recognized for its popular TV show "The Chosen," which facilitated its release in theaters.
The film's success has been so remarkable that even Elon Musk took notice, suggesting on Twitter that Angel Studios make "Sound of Freedom" available to a wider audience. Verastegui gratefully responded to Musk, expressing his appreciation for the support and emphasizing that "God's children are not for sale."
Jim Caviezel, known for his role in "The Passion of the Christ," praised "Sound of Freedom," stating that it is the best film he has worked on since the iconic biblical drama.
The resounding success of "Sound of Freedom" at the box office not only signifies its popularity among audiences but also demonstrates a growing concern for combating child trafficking. By using the power of storytelling and collaboration, Verastegui and his team hope to bring about real change and bring an end to this abhorrent reality.