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.
Sound of Freedom was released on the Fourth of July weekend in 2,852 theaters. This rose to 3,265 theaters in the second week and to 3,285 theaters in the third. As of July 28, the movie is playing across 3,411 theaters, which is close to a 20 percent jump since the release. Screen count in the latest week has reportedly exceeded 4,000, according to a July 28 press release by Angel Studios, the makers of the movie.
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.
In his review at The Epoch Times, filmmaker and actor Ian Kane said “Sound of Freedom” is a “must-see” with powerful performances that “highlight this stunning expose on child trafficking.”
