2023 in review: controversy surrounds the film 'Sound of Freedom'

The movie 'Sound of Freedom', which premiered in the summer of 2023, is based on a true story about child trafficking. The film stars Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, and Bill Camp.

Photo: Screenshot of the trailer on YouTube.

Soon after its release, the film started to garner controversy in several parts of the world. Brazilian moviegoers went to see 'Sound of Freedom' by the masses because conservative groups in the country gave away free tickets.

'The Sound of Freedom' has grossed more than US$$247.8 million at box offices worldwide, Box Office Mojo reports. It's the ninth-best-performing film of 2023 so far. But what makes this movie so appealing to conservatives, evangelicals, and the police, and why does it provoke controversy among others?

'The Sound of Freedom' is an American production, directed by the Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Monteverde. At first sight, it appears to be a stunning narrative like many others, based on a large-scale true crime.

Photo: Screenshot of the trailer on YouTube.

The story is inspired by reports from Tim Ballard, former United States National Security special agent, who led the group 'Operation Underground Railroad' dedicated to rescuing children from s e x u a l  exploitation networks.

Photo: Screenshot of the trailer on YouTube

While based on a real story, 'Sound of Freedom' is being accused of propagating conspiracy theories. These theories accuse politicians of trafficking children.

The film has been associated with the QAnon movement, which promotes the theory that politicians like Donald Trump are leading a secret war against S a t a n -worshipping abusers who hold positions of power in the US and the media.

Conservative commenters, especially from the ultra-right, claim that 'The Sound of Freedom' reveals information that the mainstream media does not want to talk about.

Photo: Screenshot of the trailer on YouTube.

The trafficking conspiracy theory is one of the pillars of QAnon. It has been criticized for hindering actual efforts to combat trafficking, as it spreads false leads and fake news, causing alarmism and confusion.

Associations with QAnon also have to do with the film's protagonist, actor Jim Caviezel. In 2021, he participated in an event for QAnon supporters. He also defined the movement as "a good thing" in a podcast with Steve Bannon. At the moment, however, the producer of 'Sound of Freedom' denies any relationship with QAnon.

In the image: QAnon supporter Jacob Chansley during the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol

Donald Trump himself praised the film in a speech after he watched it at his golf club. He called for the death penalty for traffickers and said there were things the public would only understand after watching 'The Sound of Freedom'.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk showed his support for the film on his platform 'X', stating that he would make the film available there.

In Brazil, Damares Alves (photo), an ally of the conservative former president Bolsonaro, stated: "It is no coincidence that this film is in theaters right now. God heard the children's cries. We are the resistance, the children are asking for help."

According to information from BBC News, the entities responsible for distributing free tickets in Brazil include the production company Brasil Paralelo, known for its traditionalist ideology, and Angel Studios, the company responsible for releasing the film in the USA.

In Brazil, the National Association of Federal Police Servants also provided 5,000 tickets to its members and families. The organization explains the massive interest of the military police by the film's relevance and global impact.

'Sound of Freedom' has become a phenomenon in several countries, including the US and Brazil. It fuels debates about fake news and conspiracy theories and is, to many, a symbol of the political and cultural tensions that began with the rise of the ultra-right in several states around the world.

Photo: Screenshot of the trailer on YouTube.