Powerful Testimonies Challenge 'Sound of Freedom' After VOD Release

Summary

The movie Sound of Freedom has faced criticism for its disputed and misleading depictions of human trafficking and possible connections to QAnon conspiracy theories.

Human trafficking survivors have voiced their criticism of the movie, stating that it distorts their real-life experiences and perpetuates detrimental conspiracy theories.

As per a survivor, the movie's misrepresentation of survivors' narratives not only shapes public perception but also wields influence over political leaders, public policy, and funding choices.

Sound of Freedom faced criticism upon its streaming release. Starring Jim Caviezel as ex-U.S. agent Tim Ballard, the film follows a mission to rescue trafficked children in Colombia. Despite its success, grossing $235.2 million with a $14.5 million budget, the movie has sparked controversy for its disputed portrayals of human trafficking, alleged links to QAnon conspiracy theories, and allegations of sexual misconduct involving the real-life Ballard.

In conjunction with the Sound of Freedom streaming release, IndieWire featured a piece amplifying the voices of human trafficking survivors who seek to debunk the film's misconceptions. Melinda Smith, a representative from Freedom Network USA, expressed that "I have not encountered a single survivor who supports the movie," condemning its distortion of the survivors' narratives. Other survivors shared their experiences of being labeled "pedophile predators" for criticizing the film. One survivor described how the depiction of a powerful white savior character comforted viewers as it "validates these conspiracy theories." Below is Smith's complete statement:

The Sound of Freedom Controversies Explained

Every survivor I've spoken to has expressed their lack of support for the film. It is evident that this movie has deeply resonated with individuals who lack a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The medium through which the message is conveyed has transformed into a formidable force. When we disseminate a narrative that deviates significantly from the everyday experiences of survivors, it inevitably molds public opinion, influences political leaders to screen the film, impacts public policy, and directs the allocation of funding.

The widely popular release, Sound of Freedom, has sparked intense controversy due to its ability to grab the attention of various groups. Despite receiving a less than impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 58%, audiences have overwhelmingly embraced it with a near-perfect rating of 99%. Moreover, it has proven its commercial success by ranking as the 18th highest-grossing movie of 2023 worldwide, surpassing the blockbuster hits Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and Scream VI.

Controversy surrounding the movie first arose when its distributor, Angel Studios, urged audience members to buy tickets for absent individuals, resulting in sparsely occupied theaters that were nonetheless labeled as "sold out." However, the problems quickly escalated beyond misleading box office figures. Just a little over a week after its release on July 4, it was disclosed that Ballard, the film's protagonist, had left his anti-trafficking organization, Operation Underground Railroad, amid a barrage of allegations of grooming and manipulation.

Furthermore, in August, one of the investors in Sound of Freedom, Fabian Marta, was apprehended as a potential accomplice to child abduction, although the charges were eventually dismissed. In addition to these serious incidents that transpired during the movie's theatrical run, the narrative content itself received substantial criticism from actual survivors, leading to a hostile online backlash. Consequently, the film already carries a complex history despite being available to audiences for only three months.

Further Thoughts on Sound of Freedom From Survivors

Survivor and advocate Sabra Boyd: It was devastating for me to be labeled a pedophile simply because I expressed criticisms of ‘Sound of Freedom.’ The weight of that accusation left me in tears for two days. It is incomprehensible to me how someone can use such a term without understanding its significance, especially towards someone who has survived the trauma of being preyed upon by child predators. Calling someone a pedophile is beyond contemptuous; it is the epitome of slander. Unfortunately, I was subjected to this vile accusation by numerous individuals.

Survivor Anastasia Lynge believes that the confirmation of conspiracy theories allows people to avoid engaging with or empathizing with those affected, particularly when the theory involves a white man with a military background who is seen as a savior figure. This perception of a protector gives people a sense of comfort, allowing them to ignore the reality that most trafficking victims are not rescued. On the subject of the movie "Sound of Freedom," there were individuals who were afraid to voice their concerns because of the fear of being labeled as traffickers. National Survivor Network leader Chris Ash explains that fans of the movie are often unwilling to accept any criticism and personally attack those who deviate from their viewpoint. Survivors of exploitation, including Ash, have been targeted for raising concerns about the movie, which is frustrating and disheartening. Even though the movie is fictional, it influences policies and perceptions surrounding human trafficking, leading to potential oversight of other forms of trafficking. Furthermore, the film's alleged portrayal of a real person and organization has a more direct impact on survivors, as it can be exploited by politicians to gain support without considering the consequences of their actions. The power of art and media lies in its ability to sway emotions, and in this case, it has created a group of people who are passionately supporting a candidate under the assumption that their actions will solely benefit the vulnerable, failing to acknowledge the potential harm caused by interventions.

Source: IndieWire