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Have questions about human trafficking after watching “Sound of Freedom?”

Editor's note: we receive no compensation from ticket sales; this is just for public information.

In theaters July 4th, 2023

Coming to theaters nationwide on July 4 (search for tickets here), Sound of Freedom is a highly-anticipated film based on a true story of bravery and heroism. Produced by Angel Studios, this gripping movie sheds light on the dark world of human trafficking and the extraordinary efforts of one man to rescue children from its clutches.

The film follows the harrowing journey of a federal agent played by Jim Caviezel (known for The Passion of the Christ, Frequency, and Deja Vu). After successfully rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, he discovers that the boy's sister is still in captivity. Driven by a fierce determination, the agent decides to embark on a perilous mission to save her, even if it means risking his own life. With time running out, he quits his job and ventures deep into the treacherous Colombian jungle, defying all odds to her from a fate worse than death.

Sound of Freedom is directed by Alejandro Monteverde, acclaimed for his previous works such as “Little Boy” and “Bella,” and written by Alejandro Monteverde and Rod Barr. The film stars an exceptional cast including Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, Bill Camp, José Zúñiga, and Eduardo Verástegui, who also serves as a producer.

Neal Harmon, the CEO of Angel Studios, describes Sound of Freedom as a captivating and respectful portrayal of undercover heroes bringing hope to those in need. With its suspenseful narrative and impactful storytelling, the film promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats while inspiring them to take action against human trafficking.

In a unique initiative, Angel Studios has developed a patent-pending technology, previously used for their original series “The Chosen,” allowing fans to “pay it forward” by purchasing movie tickets for others to watch the film for free. Details on how to participate in this meaningful endeavor can be found on Angel.com/sof.

Sound of Freedom promises to be a powerful and poignant cinematic experience, shining a light on a grave issue while honoring the courage of those who fight against it.

Questions you might have after the movie

Q: How accurate is the portrayal of human trafficking in the movie “Sound of Freedom“?

We have not screened the film yet so we cannot say specifically, but we have created a list of Recommended Resources for you to start from. We also welcome you to take our Human Trafficking Essentials Name Your Price course right now. It's always time to get educated!

UPDATE: Read our REVIEW of the movie here.

Q: Are the characters in the film based on real individuals involved in the fight against human trafficking?

“Sound of Freedom” is based on the true story of Tim Ballard, a former US government agent that quits his job to rescue children from global sex traffickers. 

Q: What are some real-life organizations or initiatives working to combat human trafficking, and how can I support them?

Click here to get a list of stories about the anti-trafficking groups we track here on the Knowledge Vault.

Q: How prevalent is human trafficking in the world today, and has it improved or worsened over time?

Click here to get a list of all stories about the prevalence of human trafficking on the Knowledge Vault.

There is a detailed response to this in Chapter two of Human Trafficking Essentials Name Your Price course. Sign up right now.

Q: Are there specific regions or countries that are more heavily affected by human trafficking?

The short answer is yes. Yes, there are specific regions and countries that are known to be more heavily affected by human trafficking. It's important to note that human trafficking is a global issue, and it occurs in various forms and scales in different parts of the world. The following regions and countries are often cited as being particularly affected by human trafficking:

  • Southeast Asia: Countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar are known to have significant human trafficking problems, particularly related to forced labor and .
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: Several countries in this region, including Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ethiopia, experience high levels of human trafficking, often involving child labor, forced labor in agricultural sectors, and sexual exploitation.
  • Eastern Europe and Balkans: Countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria are frequently identified as source, transit, and destination countries for human trafficking, with sexual exploitation being a prevalent form.
  • South Asia: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have reported high instances of human trafficking, including forced labor, bonded labor, and sex trafficking.
  • Latin America and the Caribbean: Countries like Mexico, Brazil, Haiti, and Dominican Republic face challenges related to human trafficking, including sex trafficking, child labor, and trafficking for forced labor in various industries.

However, it's important to recognize that human trafficking occurs globally, and no region or country is immune to its presence. The circumstances, dynamics, and prevalence can vary within each country and region, influenced by factors such as poverty, , conflict, and lack of effective and social protection measures. Efforts to combat human trafficking require international cooperation, , and comprehensive strategies tailored to address the specific challenges faced by different regions.

Click here to get a list of all stories about the prevalence of human trafficking on the Knowledge Vault.

Q: What are some common warning signs or indicators that someone may be a victim of human trafficking?

You are looking for a way to recognize a victim, and you can do this by acknowledging that external factors can contribute. These are called vulnerabilities and can be personal, societal, or environmental. Vulnerabilities are also called unmet needs, red flags, indicators, signs of trafficking, risk factors, or other names. Basically it's anything that puts someone at risk of being taken advantage by someone else or by a system. Poverty and a lack of a place to sleep are two basic examples.

Click here for a list of articles that describe Red Flags of human trafficking on the Knowledge Vault.

Q: How can we raise awareness about human trafficking and educate others about its realities?

We recommend prevention education through Human Trafficking Essentials, our doctoral level . Prevention education is the BEST way to end human trafficking.

Q: Are there any specific laws or international agreements in place to address human trafficking?

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA – USA) and Palermo Protocol (International – UN) are the two key agreements. They are described in detail in Chapter 1 of Human Trafficking Essentials.

Q: What challenges do law enforcement agencies face in their efforts to combat human trafficking?

Click here to find all Knowledge Vault articles that have the tag “Law Enforcement.”

Q: How can individuals protect themselves and their communities from falling victim to human trafficking?

The best defense against human trafficking is prevention education. Click here to find Knowledge Vault articles with the following categories: PREVENTucation, Prevention Training, or Parental Advice.

Want to take even more action to help end human trafficking?

Take the leading course in human trafficking awareness, Human Trafficking Essentials, today!

ABOUT

PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.

More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.

ABOUT PBJ LEARNING


PBJ Learning
is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.

More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.