LOS ANGELES—The highly-awaited screening of “The Firing Squad” at the Warner Bros. studio on March 2 was attended by Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. and well-known Christian actor Kevin Sorbo.
Based on the incredible true story of Christian prisoners who face execution in the third world, their joy in Christ wins over the entire prison camp.
The Epoch Times and Epoch Studios are helping release the film to 2,500 theaters across the United States and the world in August 2024.
Director Tim Chey shared that the movie’s inspiration was actual events he heard reported about on CNN. He recalls listening to the anchor describe the group of men set to be executed the next day. When asked how the inmates were doing, they were told that the men were calm because they had a savior. That was the moment Mr. Chey knew there was more to the story. He says the film tells about events that were not fully reported on and hopes that the message of hope and saving faith can now be widely heard.
Mr. Chey also shared that the movie reflected his own personal experience of being an atheist and losing his career due to a severe gambling addiction. “But that brought me to Jesus,” he said with a smile. “So the worst day of my life turned out to be the best day of my life, and I think it’s the same thing for these guys as well.” He shared how his faith helped direct the film. “Everything just clicked with this film,” he said. “God is great, and I’m happy to be making films for the Lord.”
Mr. Chey also spoke about the faith of the actors involved. “Cuba has become a prayer warrior. I just prayed with him today over protection on ‘The Firing Squad’ film, and he’s all about Jesus.”
Mr. Chey and Mr. Cuba last worked together on the seminal film “Freedom” about the early life of John Newton, which hit historic viewing records on Showtime.
“Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Kevin Sorbo were tremendous actors and had everyone in tears at the screenings in Nashville,” said Sally Sun, executive director of Epoch Studios.
What People Are Saying About the Film
The film is earning rave reactions at screenings across the country. “I loved the movie. It was incredible. I was on the edge of my seat,” shared one attendee at a pre-screening premier. Many said that the film surpassed the content of Hollywood movies. One shared that the movie “is telling woke Hollywood that there are normal people out here, and we need hope, and we need this message.”Another audience member shared how the movie’s message of redemption touched her personally. “It’s a very powerful message, especially for people who have done something wrong in their life. It doesn’t matter what you have done in the past. If you’re willing to give yourself to God, God will always be there for you and save you.”
Others shared how the film spoke to their personal experiences, such as serving time in prison, knowing people who have suffered for their faith, or having gone through personal hardships.
“We need more powerful films like this,” said one woman. She shared her experience of losing her husband to cancer. Her husband had the same peace in God as the characters in the movie, and as she was sitting in the theater, the story brought that peace back to her. “This is a must-see film,” she told reporters. “When it hits theaters, believer or not, you need to see it.”
Another woman said through tears, “We loved the movie. We are all crying. It was beautiful and so uplifting. Thank you.”
This is Epoch Times/Epoch Studios’ first major theater release.
The film team is hoping they will open #1 at the box office in August.
With the potency of the funds, combined with The Epoch Times’ millions of subscribers, the film team believes they can reach the top spots at the box office on Aug. 9, 2024.
Paul Lauer of Motive Ent (“The Passion of the Christ,” “The Shack,” “Narnia,” “Son of God,” “Heaven is for Real”) is the official marketing representative of “The Firing Squad” and will also be attending the premiere to help the film.
