Image from the "Sound of Freedom" movie which was released on July 4, 2023. (Courtesy of Angel Studios)
Posted on 07/21/2023 10:09:30 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Angel Studios’ anti-people trafficking movie, “Sound of Freedom,” has earned nearly seven times its original budget after only two weeks at the box office.
Image from the "Sound of Freedom" movie which was released on July 4, 2023. (Courtesy of Angel Studios)
Shedding a light on a dark, shadowy world—especially child sex trafficking—the film’s commercial success comes years after its production, surviving a corporate merger, the COVID-19 pandemic, and reports of several screenings gone awry.
Opening on July 4, “Sound of Freedom” just surpassed $100 million at the box office, $85 million of which came from domestic theaters. It was made on a $14.5 million budget.
People walk by the AMC 34th Street theater in New York on March 5, 2021. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Starring Jim Caviezel (“The Passion of the Christ”) as former Homeland Security Agent and Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard, the movie is a call-to-action that tells the true story of how hundreds of people were rescued from human trafficking.
It saw an increase of more than 30 percent in audience attendance in its second week, and more than 10,000 verified audience members have contributed to its 100 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
It also continues to compete with mainstream movies with much lighter and more entertainment-focused subject matters and much higher budgets.
But this successful movie might not have ever seen the inside of a theater without the help of food giant Goya Foods.
“Sound of Freedom” had originally been ordered by 20th Century Fox with Mr. Verastagui already on as its producer and supporting role.
But the movie became one of the many Fox projects shelved after the merger with The Walt Disney Company.
“We helped him buy [“Sound of Freedom”] from Disney [and] became executive producers on that,” Mr. Unanue told The Epoch Times in a phone interview. “It just so happened that several years later trying to get it distributed that Angel Studios appeared on the scene.”
Goya did not disclose the amount of money it contributed to the project.
The film was completed before the COVID-19 pandemic. But despite Disney releasing the rights, that theater-closing event would require its producers to wait a little bit longer.
Angel Studios acquired the distribution rights in 2023. He said Angel Studios was “a godsend” in turning around the movie for theatrical release in “just a few months.” Now, he said, they are in talks with Mel Gibson to do a series on human trafficking.
Tied to the completion and distribution of “Sound of Freedom” is the creation of Goya Cares, Mr. Unanue’s own program, which provides support to several nonprofits fighting child and human trafficking.
Working primarily on the homefront, it supports several charities already entrenched in the fight to end trafficking and provide safe houses for victims, such as Catholic Charities and the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC).
It also works with the Monique Burr Foundation to provide lesson plans and educational awareness in schools.
“At the center of Goya Cares is a heart, and our heart reaches out to these victims of child trafficking and children who are suffering from mental illness so that they may have hope to live in a world where their life is valued, their freedom is a reality and their mind is at peace,” Mr. Unanue’s mission statement for the program states.
“They need to be reminded that they are precious gifts from God.”
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Great Tomato soup
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Thank you goya
Our pantry runneth over with Goya products.
They are good eggs and make great products.
My wife does too. He has had to take a lot of crap from the far-lefties who wants him on their plantation but he still continues to fight for our side. During the 2020 Big Steal, the far-left tried to cancel him and Goya. It didn’t work. Walmart seemed to go all out selling more Goya products. He’s for real.
I’ve heard Verastegui’s name in connection to a possible run for Pres. of Mexico. I’m sure the cartels would have him whacked in a heartbeat if he ever decided to run, though.
“both Basques”
That area in and around Spain is interesting.
I lived in NM for about 14 years, was involved in local politics part of that time. There was an interesting man who was community oriented who was Basque. Until I met him, I knew nothing about them.
There are at least 2 segmented communities in Spain, that I know of.
Goya just made my “always buy” list.
Wife and I saw the movie yesterday morning.
We made 120 mile round trip to see it. We went early, on Friday (work day for most) at the 9:15AM showing. We were the only 2 people in the area it was showing in. (50 viewer capacity)
So we could comment and discuss without bothering anyone. It was a great movie.
When we arrived my wife told me that if it got to intense for her, we would leave. I agreed, but it was not an issue. This is about good, not about making things risque.
When I got home, first thing I read on the web, they had hit 100 million at the box office.
Great movie, great cause.
And it is exposing the Forces of Evil that we are in battle with.
I will do more to support Goya foods. I do like their olive oil and beans even though they cost more.
My first attempt: yes is Goya, have that is good.
I have been hesitant to see this because I don’t want to pay to be emotionally crushed.
Based on your comment, it may not be as bad as I think (heart wrenching and emotionally draining).
I remember seeing “boycott Goya” flyers posted on power poles in NW DC back when Goya was vocalizing their support for right wingers.
There is some emotional load, but for me it is pure anger at how this is being allowed.
Remember, it is said that there are 85,000 unaccompanied children who have been dropped off inside the USA from Mexico, and those who accepted them are unknown. HOW is that possible in the USA?
Remember the photo's of Hunter from the laptop, with young girls. Remember when Slo Joe smells of little girls hair? Remember what pervert garbage that the ☭#Dem’s support and put in powerful positions in the Fed Gov? Remember, about the rumors of Child Trafficking from inside the Ukraine during the war that O’Biden Admin has put in place?
Connect the dots?
Never forget the counties in the USA who are compromised by the Cartel's money?
Please God, Bless the USA.
Four Spanish provinces and three in France, but the Spanish Basque population is much more numerous.
Capitals are Bilbao (Vizcaya), San Sebastian/Donostia (Guipuzcoa), Vitoria (Alava) and Pamplona (Navarra/Navarre).
Basque names can be very indicative of their origins.
Unanue (the name) is from western Guipuzcoa. Generally from the coastal region, around Ondarroa. Near where my grandmother came from.
Verastegui is from northern Navarra, up by the Alava border.
Sufficient. 😀
That used to be the slogan for Goya Foods, I can’t say how long ago.
OK, that’s good to know. Added to the grocery list. I like to make corned beef hash every now and then.
I was aware of Catalonia Spain and the Basque region (not specific).
Catalonia, I am told wants to be separate from rest; Bosque want their own region.
That my not be a very refined view of Spain, but that is about all I have been exposed to.
Thanks for the info you gave me.
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