WASHINGTON (TND) — A low-budget, faith-based thriller is an unlikely box office hit, crossing $100 million in earnings despite only playing in North America.
“Sound of Freedom” starring Jim Caviezel is the 16th-highest grossing film so far and could move further up the list, further surpassing big studio films like “Scream VI” and “The Flash.”
The film’s production budget was partially crowdfunded by Utah-based Angel studios, which has used unconventional promotional tactics like creating an app to allow people to buy tickets to donate to others. It has also been billed as a way to raise awareness about child trafficking.
“SOUND of FREEDOM has become the people’s movie. It was chosen by over 100,000 people in the Angel Guild, fueled by untold tens of thousands through our Pay it Forward program, and is dominating the box office as the result of a ground-up, grassroots movement of everyday people who are making this an historic success,” Jared Geesey, SVP of global distribution with Angel Studios, said in a statement. “This is the opposite of the top down system developed by Hollywood gatekeepers. We are empowering people to be part of choosing, funding, and sharing stories that amplify light and impact culture.”
Angel Studio’s description of the film says it is based on a true story about a federal agent who learns the sister of a boy he rescued from child traffickers is still being held captive and goes on a mission deep into the Colombian jungle to save her.
The film has drawn comparisons to conspiracy theories from the far-right Qanon movement.
However, the film has received positive reviews, with a 76% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a 100% audience score.
“Sound of Freedom” has also brought on controversy for the country’s largest theater chain, AMC Theatres, which has been accused of canceling showtimes or having viewings plagued by technical difficulties.
The company’s CEO has disputed both of those claims.
“Sadly, conspiracy theorists are so prevalent in America. So much garbage information is spread,” Adam Aron wrote in a tweet. “More than ONE MILLION people have watched ‘Sound of Freedom’ at AMC Theatres. More than at any other theatre chain on the planet. Yet people falsely claim otherwise. It is so bizarre.”
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