Stay Free with Russell Brand
Jim Caviezel & Tim Ballard (Sound of Freedom)
Thu Jul 13 2023Description
The episode features an interview with actor Jim Caviezel and Tim Ballard, discussing their new film Sound of Freedom based on the true story of a US homeland security agent rescuing children from human trafficking. The film has faced pushback and accusations about its motivations and audience. Tim Ballard shares his experiences combating child trafficking and the process of making the film. Jim Caviezel ad-libs a powerful line in the movie, reflecting his connection to Jesus. The episode also explores issues with child trafficking and the controversy surrounding Sound of Freedom.
Insights
Child Trafficking and Sound of Freedom
The episode sheds light on the issue of child trafficking and highlights the controversy surrounding the film Sound of Freedom.
Jim Caviezel's Motivation
Jim Caviezel shares his personal motivation for making the film, including his experiences with adoption and awareness of nefarious activities involving children.
Tim Ballard's Experiences
Tim Ballard discusses his 12 years as a special agent and undercover operator combating child trafficking, including a case in Colombia that led to the rescue of over 120 women and children.
Behind the Scenes of Sound of Freedom
The episode explores the behind-the-scenes aspects of Sound of Freedom, including Jim Caviezel's ad-libbed line and the emotional depths the actors had to go to for their roles.
Issues with Child Trafficking
The episode highlights the lack of government and law enforcement efforts to combat child trafficking and the need for increased awareness and action.
Chapters
- Interview with Jim Caviezel and Tim Ballard
- Making of Sound of Freedom
- Behind the Scenes of Sound of Freedom
- Issues with Child Trafficking and Sound of Freedom Controversy
Interview with Jim Caviezel and Tim Ballard
00:00 - 07:25
- Jim Caviezel, known for his role as Jesus in Passion of the Christ, discusses his new film Sound of Freedom, which is based on the true story of a US homeland security agent rescuing children from human trafficking in South America.
- The film has faced mainstream media pushback and accusations about its motivations and audience.
- Jim shares his motivation for making the film, including his personal experiences with adoption and awareness of nefarious activities involving children.
- Tim Ballard, upon whose story the film is based, joins the podcast to discuss Sound of Freedom further.
- The trailer for Sound of Freedom is shown during the podcast.
Making of Sound of Freedom
06:55 - 13:51
- Tim Ballard, the inspiration behind the movie Sound of Freedom, discusses the process of getting the film made.
- Ballard spent 12 years as a special agent and undercover operator, working to combat child trafficking.
- In 2012-2013, Ballard worked on a case in Colombia where he went deeper than intended and had to quit his job to continue the operation.
- The operation resulted in the rescue of over 120 women and children and the arrest of 15 traffickers.
- Producers Eduardo Verastagi and Alejandro Monteverde saw media coverage of the operation and decided to make a movie about it.
- Jim Caviezel was chosen to play Tim Ballard in the film due to his resemblance and shared values.
- Child sex trafficking used to be universally condemned but has become more controversial in recent years.
- There appears to be a connection between child sex trafficking and powerful institutions, which may explain why some aspects of the media are not promoting this film.
- Ballard acknowledges that watching hours of footage of child abuse has taken a toll on him but finds healing through spirituality.
Behind the Scenes of Sound of Freedom
13:27 - 20:25
- Jim Caviezel ad-libbed a line in the movie that was actually the speaker's go-to line for life and operations.
- The line from scripture about Jesus standing up for little children is both righteous and Mafioso-like.
- The actor playing the pedophile in the film didn't know how to react when Jim delivered the ad-libbed line to him.
- Jim Caviezel had to play the speaker because he brings healing through his connection to Jesus in dark moments.
- Both Jim Caviezel and the speaker endure difficult experiences by relying on their connection to a gangster-like Christ.
- Jim Caviezel's Christianity directs him as an actor and as a man, which influenced his performance in this scene.
- The makeup artists working on Mel Gibson's film, Passion of the Christ, believed that the image of Jesus on the Shroud of Turin looked peaceful despite its violent history.
- The speaker had to go to deep emotional depths while researching for his role, driven by his fear of losing his own children.
- Innocence and youth allow for a greater experience of God consciousness before adulthood conditions us into conformity.
Issues with Child Trafficking and Sound of Freedom Controversy
20:04 - 23:33
- There is a lack of government and law enforcement efforts to track down perpetrators of crimes and prevent future crimes.
- There are only five drug agents for every anti-child trafficking agent in the United States government.
- The awareness of the issue needs to increase in order for action to be taken.
- The guests express gratitude for the work being done and the commitment shown.
- Tomorrow's show will feature an interview with a popular YouTuber known as the critical drinker, who critiques movies from a unique perspective.
- The culture is stuck in a rut when it comes to relying on past franchises instead of taking risks with new ideas.
- The movie 'Sound of Freedom' is causing controversy.
- Joining the localist community provides access to exclusive interviews and events.