Topline
Controversial summer box office hit “Sound of Freedom” will be streaming on Prime Video in the U.S. starting on December 26 after the streaming service acquired the rights for the film, despite earlier conspiracy theories that falsely suggested the film was “banned” from streaming platforms.
VINEYARD, UTAH – JUNE 28: Tim Ballard attends the premiere of “Sound of Freedom” on June 28, 2023 in … [+]
Key Facts
The film, which is based on the story of a former government agent’s mission to rescue children from sex trafficking, was released on July 4, and has made $184 million in North America and $242 million worldwide, according to Variety.
“Sound of Freedom” was the first post-pandemic independent release to gross over $100 million in the U.S. and Canada, Variety reported, adding the film is in 10th place for the largest domestic film this year.
After the film was released, it placed among the top at the box office alongside big-budget films like “Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny” and “Insidious: The Red Door.”
In August, Vulture reported the film was garnering interest from streaming platforms, and that distributor Angel Studios was talking to subscription services and ad-supported streamers.
Angel Studios did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the deal with Prime Video.
Key Background
The main subject of the film, Tim Ballard, is a former Homeland Security agent who founded Operation Underground Railroad, which carries out sting operations to rescue child sex trafficking victims. However, OUR was investigated by Vice, which claimed the operation was overexaggerating its work. Law enforcement agencies also said their efforts with the organization were “insubstantial.” Angel Studios has denied “Sound of Freedom” has anything to do with conspiracy theories and politics. The film was partially crowdfunded by Angel Studios, which acquired distribution rights to the film earlier this year, and launched a pay it forward program for people to buy tickets to the film for other people — adding to the film’s financial success.
Tangent
In August, a false post on X, formerly known as Twitter, claimed Netflix and Amazon Prime turned down the film, and the platforms were accused of being against the film “that’s about protecting kids.”
Further Reading
Box Office Hit ‘Sound Of Freedom’ Controversy—Including QAnon Ties And False Claims Theaters Are Sabotaging Screenings—Explained (Forbes)
No, ‘Sound Of Freedom’ Hasn’t Been ‘Banned’ From Netflix—And Other Growing False Conspiracies About The Controversial Film (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/britneynguyen/2023/11/03/controversial-sound-of-freedom-coming-to-amazon-prime-next-month/