Anti-child trafficking movie “Sound of Freedom” continues its spectacular run at the box office, getting more theater screenings and beating several big-budget summer blockbusters.
The movie, based on the true story of Tim Ballard, a former government agent, focuses on the exploitation of children by sex traffickers. Brandon Purdie, Angel Studios Head of Theatrical, expressed elation at the success of the film.
“Everyone in the industry knows that films are generally supposed to lose screens week-over-week, not add them. And yet, the incredible word-of-mouth driving SOUND OF FREEDOM continues to spread,” he said.
“In response, we are continuing to expand our offering in theaters this weekend. Our theatrical partners have stepped up in a huge way to allow for more people to see the film.”
Overall, the movie has earned over $140 million gross since its release. With a budget of $14.6 million, “Sound of Freedom” has become a massively profitable movie for Angel Studios, unlike many major flops released from Hollywood in 2023.
Recently released movies Barbie and Oppenheimer collected over $287 million and $141 million respectively in their first week of release in the United States.
As of July 29 worldwide, Barbie collected $578 million; Transformers $428 million; Mission Impossible $383 million; Indiana Jones $341 million; Oppenheimer $253 million. Sound of Freedom will start international screenings in August.
Ticket Sales Controversy
While “Sound of Freedom” is a box office success, the movie’s collection and attendance rates have triggered controversy. Some are alleging that the box office numbers do not reflect attendance at the theater and that ticket sales are being artificially inflated to boost box office numbers.Angel Studios has implemented a “Pay it Forward” marketing strategy which allows people to sponsor tickets for others. “When you Pay it Forward to Sound of Freedom, you are covering the cost of actual movie tickets for someone who would not otherwise be able to see the film,” says the studio website.
Adam Aron, the CEO of AMC Theaters, the largest theater exhibitor in the United States and the world, has dismissed allegations that “Sound of Freedom” hasn’t had many viewers.
Human Trafficking in Focus
Viewers have found the film’s depiction of child trafficking eye-opening. At the end of the movie, a message is shown depicting the state of trafficking:“Human trafficking is a 150 billion-dollar-a-year business. The United States is one of the top destinations for human trafficking and is among the largest consumers of child sex. There are more humans trapped in slavery today than [at] any other time in history—including when slavery was legal. Millions of these slaves are children.”
“Quality-wise, acting-wise, there’s not a flaw … In fact, I’d say this is the second most important film I’ve done after ‘The Passion of the Christ.'”
“I will urge Congress to ensure that anyone caught trafficking children across our border receives the death penalty immediately.”
In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline registered 2,365 instances of minors subjected to trafficking. According to the nonprofit organization Save The Children, “60 percent of child sex trafficking victims have a history in the child welfare system.”
“Victims are trafficked under various circumstances, including prostitution, online sexual exploitation, the illegal drug trade and forced labor,” it said.
