Surprise movie hit, “Sound of Freedom” brings awareness to human trafficking

There has been a lot of buzz over summer movie blockbusters, such as the newest installment in the “Mission Impossible,” and the newly released films “Barbie,” and “Oppenheimer,” which opened last weekend to record-breaking numbers, not to mention the viral sensation, “Barbenheimer,” that challenges people to watch both movies ala a double feature, there is another movie that has been filling seats.

“The Sound of Freedom,” has become a sleeper hit, bringing movie goers into the theaters to near-sell-out capacity.

“Sound of Freedom,” based on true events, is a thriller about a former Homeland Security agent battling human trafficking, has grossed $124 million since its release on July 4.

The weekend of July 21 to 23, it even out grossed “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One,” according to Rotten Tomatoes, taking third place in earnings behind the “Barbenheimer” behemoth.

“We have had some sold-out shows. And all of the showings for ‘The Sound of Freedom’ are selling very consistently since it opened on July 4,” said Valley Cinemas in Wasilla.

The movie, based on true events, of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Department for Homeland Security agent who conducts sting operations to rescue a young brother and sister from human trafficking in Colombia.

Jim Caviezel, most known for his portrayal of Jesus in the 2004 movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” plays Ballard in the movie. According to a description of the movie from Angel Studios, the movie depicts Ballard’s “relentless pursuit of justice exposes the dark underbelly of this global crime, leaving an indelible impact on the fight for freedom.”

The movie includes fictionalized versions of some real-life people, including Ballard and his wife, Katherine Ballard. According to Angel Studios, many of the movie’s supporting characters are based on, or inspired by, real-life trafficking victims and perpetrators that Ballard reportedly encountered during his rescue missions.

There has been some controversy surrounding different plot points in the movie, as some experts have challenged the factual accuracy of “Sound of Freedom,” saying it paints an inaccurate, sensationalized picture of child trafficking.

The film portrays children being snatched and kidnapped by strangers. While this can certainly happen, it’s a myth that most traffickers “target victims they don’t know,” according to Polaris, an organization that operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline.

“Many survivors have been trafficked by romantic partners, including spouses, and by family members, including parents,” Polaris notes.

In a recent blog post about “Sound of Freedom,” distributor Angel Studios acknowledged that the movie’s portrayal of child trafficking does not necessarily reflect the way trafficking occurs in the real world.

“It is worth noting that the movie took creative liberties in depicting the different methods of child trafficking,” the distribution company wrote. “While instances do exist where children are transported in various vehicles, the majority of trafficking occurs through a manipulative grooming process.”

Controversy aside, people have been drawn to the movie and feeling the impact of the powerful message.

“People were posting how this movie wasn’t being advertised like ‘Barbie.’ Then I saw the preview and saw that it was based on a true story, and it took place in Colombia, so my husband and I watched it,” said Olivia Arrieta, who heard about the movie via TikTok.

“I would definitely tell people to watch it, especially since it’s affecting our society and country. It’s heartbreaking,” said Arrieta, who adds that it is not suitable for younger audiences as it deals with sensitive issues.

“I am thrilled the word is getting out with the movie ‘Sound of Freedom,’ and it is creating a movement of people with their eyes being opened to the epidemic of human trafficking globally and nationally,” says Staci Yates, the Director of Human Trafficking Recovery at MyHouse in Wasilla. A vital part of her job is to bring awareness to local communities, schools, and businesses on human trafficking in Alaska.

Yates was recently invited to a private screening of the movie, along with several state representatives including Speaker of the House, Cathy Tilton and Representative George Rauscher. Following the movie was a discussion of what can be done to combat human trafficking here in Alaska.

Yates reports that the number of people the staggering numbers of human trafficking in Alaska.

“Alaska’s rates of sexual assaults are 4 times the national average and our child sexual assaults are 6 times the national average. Here at MyHouse, in 2022, we had 456 clients, and out of those clients we served 37 reported being trafficked.”

Like the movie quietly being touted, Yates says that human trafficking in Alaska quietly being talked about, but needs to have a bright spotlight shone on it.

“We do have an immense problem here in Alaska, and it’s a hidden, silent crime and everyone should take training on what to look for and how to report it.”

Alaska is not immune to human trafficking and in fact, studies show that Alaska Native youth are more likely to be disproportionately affected by human trafficking. According to a study conducted in 2017, one in 4 women at Anchorage Covenant’s House had been trafficked for sex. Of these young people, 42% were Alaska Natives.

Yates says that there is something that everyone here can do to help stem the tide of human trafficking.

“People want to know what they can do. Let’s bring education to our schools and teach our youth how to recognize when they are being groomed. I truly believe that is how we win this war.”

Utilizing a curriculum called Speak Up, a K-12 age appropriate, evidence-based program, Yates encourages schools and at-risk groups to participate in the national pilot program for free.

“If they want to get involved with our state wide coalition Alaska Stop Human Trafficking (ASHTA), they can

“Together we WILL make a difference!”

For more information, contact Staci Yates at MyHouse (907) 373-4357, or via email at email at notrafficking@myhousematsu.org.