(Variety) “Sound of Freedom,” this summer’s unlikely box office hit, has crossed the $100 million mark in North America after three weeks of release.
It’s an impressive milestone for the low-budget, faith-based movie, especially in the height of summer blockbuster season. It also marks the first indie release in post-pandemic times to surpass $100 million at the domestic box office. Last year’s Oscar-winning arthouse smash “Everything Everywhere All at Once” topped $100 million globally, but that included $63 million at the international box office. “Sound of Freedom” isn’t playing overseas.
“Sound of Freedom” stands as the 16th-highest grossing North American release of the year. At this rate, the movie looks to keep climbing that list and soon supplant the No. 14 and 15 spots, which currently belong to “Scream VI” with $108 million and “The Flash” with $107 million.
Religious and conservative media groups have rallied behind the film, which is partially crowdfunded and backed by the Utah-based Angel Studios. The independent streaming and distribution company has used unconventional efforts to promote “Sound of Freedom,” including a “Pay It Forward” app to allow people to buy and donate tickets to others. The company has framed the initiative as a way to raise awareness about child trafficking.
“’Sound of Freedom’ has become the people’s movie,” said Jared Geesey, SVP of global distribution at Angel Studios. “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.”
Alejandro Monteverde wrote and directed the religious thriller, which is based on the true story of Tim Ballard (“The Passion of the Christ” actor Jim Caviezel), a former government agent who embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia. Mira Sorvino and Bill Camp co-star.
