Former President Donald Trump recently hosted a screening of the film “Sound of Freedom” at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The event, attended by his supporters and prominent figures such as Jim Caviezel, Eduardo Verástegui, and Tim Ballard, was a lively affair with a packed crowd.
The film, which is based on Tim Ballard’s work with Operation Underground Railroad to combat child sex trafficking, has become a surprise hit, grossing over $96 million worldwide. Despite its success, the film has received mixed reviews from critics. However, audience reception has been highly positive, with many praising its emotional subject matter and powerful message.
The screening began with a prayer led by Pastor Paula White, who served as Mr. Trump’s Christian advisor during his presidency. Following the film, Mr. Trump expressed his admiration for the movie and the efforts of its cast and crew. He specifically praised Jim Caviezel, who portrays Tim Ballard in the film, and commended his performance.
The success of “Sound of Freedom” is even more remarkable considering its rocky journey to the screen. The film was made against a relatively modest budget of $14.5 million and wrapped up five years ago. However, due to complications with its distribution rights, it sat on the shelves at Disney until Eduardo Verástegui managed to regain the rights and secure an independent release.
Interestingly, the film’s popularity has also attracted criticism from mainstream media outlets. Despite the film being made before the rise of the QAnon conspiracy theory, some journalists have labeled it as QAnon-inspired. Rolling Stone published an op-ed that described the movie as a “superhero movie for dads with brainworms,” while The Daily Beast referred to it as a “partially crowdfunded religious drama with ingrained QAnon conspiracies.”
Despite these negative headlines, “Sound of Freedom” has garnered support from influential figures such as Elon Musk and celebrities like Jewel and Mel Gibson. The film has resonated with audiences, elicit spontaneous applause and cheers at key moments, and has been hailed for its message that “God’s children are not for sale.”
During the screening, Mr. Trump also took the opportunity to discuss his potential re-election campaign in 2024. He emphasized the enthusiasm and spirit of his supporters, claiming that they understand his message better than ever before. He also addressed the controversy surrounding the 2020 election, stating that it was rigged but expressing confidence in winning a third time.
Overall, the screening of “Sound of Freedom” was a resounding success for both the film and its supporters. The event brought together like-minded individuals who share a commitment to combating child sex trafficking and promoting the message of protecting vulnerable children. As the film continues to defy expectations at the box office, its impact on raising awareness about this important issue is undeniable.
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