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A major motion picture that received backing from Goya Foods’ global campaign to combat child trafficking is hitting theaters.

Scheduled for a July 4 nationwide release, “Sound of Freedom” is based on a true story of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Homeland Security special agent who embarks on a mission to rescue children from cartels and human traffickers in Latin America.

Through its Goya Cares initiative, the Jersey City-based company signed on as executive producer for the film, which was co-written and directed by Alejandro Monteverde and stars Mira Sorvino and Jim Caviezel.

Ahead of the film’s domestic release, Bob Unanue, president and chief executive officer of Goya Foods, said in a statement, “It has been a spiritual calling that led us to this point with the hopes to not just shed light but put an end to this horrific evil. We are proud to be a part of this movie since the beginning.”

The largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., Goya sought to use its platform to launch Goya Cares in 2021, bringing together organizations and businesses to show solidarity and help communities recognize the dangers of child trafficking. According to the company, many of its partners work to recover, restore and reunite survivors, while others help to raise awareness and provide schools with free access to preventative education curriculum.

“We are honored to have the support of Goya Foods for this critically important film with its life-changing message about the horrors of child trafficking and slavery,” Ballard stated. “Every year, 2 million children are trafficked around the world, and it is our duty to do all we can to raise the alarm, step in, and do something to end it.”

Ballard, who founded Operation Underground Railroad, an anti-sex trafficking nonprofit group and Goya Cares coalition partner, added, “Goya’s support of Sound Of Freedom stands out as an example of what successful companies should be doing to make a better world with their giving. In partnering with Goya, we are committed to pursuing justice until we ensure that our children remain safe and protected at home with their families where they belong.”

After acquiring the worldwide distribution rights, faith-based entertainment company Angel Studios used equity crowdfunding to raise the capital needed to market the film. It is also encouraging patrons to “pay it forward” to allow people who might not otherwise see the movie to watch it in theaters for free.

According to Deadline, Sound of Freedom has already racked up $7.2 million in ticket presales before its holiday opening at 2,600 theaters.

Goya’s community outreach

• Goya Foods rallies to help hurricane victims in Florida, Puerto Rico
• Goya donates 300K pounds of food to NYC campaign
• Thousands of masks donated to fight COVID-19 from Uniqlo, Goya