Executive Produced by Chris Pratt, the film features numerous military chaplains’ stories, including Fr. Emil Kapaun, whose sainthood cause was recently advanced in one of Pope Francis’ final acts
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. and The Pentagon, D.C. — Hollywood’s multi-Emmy-winning producer, Paulist Productions, and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps announce the release on Apple TV (here) and all other major video on demand (VOD) platforms of the inspiring documentary film Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey, available to buy or rent just in time for Memorial Day, starting May 23rd. The film became one of the best reviewed documentaries of 2024 during last year’s Veterans Day U.S. theatrical release, earning a rare 100% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Film and faith collide as this incredible documentary feature film celebrates the life of a modern-day hero and saint-in-the-making, U.S. Army combat chaplain Fr. Emil Kapaun, whose uncommon valor uniquely captured the attention of Pope Francis just weeks before his death. Fr. Kapaun is now one step closer to sainthood after being named to “Venerable” status by Pope Francis in one of his extraordinary final acts before his passing.
The movie Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey, executive produced by Chris Pratt, honors Chaplain Kapaun’s example, along with the many men and women who have put their lives on the line to serve in our armed forces.
“America needs to see heroism today more than ever,” said Executive Producer Chris Pratt. “This film inspires us that heroes are real through stories of sacrifice and honor. My hope is that it inspires a new generation of heroes in our country and beyond.”
When the remains of prisoner-of-war and Army combat chaplain Emil Kapaun, recently declared “Venerable” by Pope Francis on his track for sainthood, are identified after 70 years, much of our nation is captivated by their journey home. As a younger former chaplain unexpectedly embarks on his own journey to greet them, he becomes inspired by the untold stories of the 419 U.S. military chaplain heroes who’ve given their lives for this unique calling. As the paths of these combat chaplains from different eras finally collide, we’re reminded how the profound weight of history and the immense power of love can converge to produce a life-changing healing.
Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey marks the first-ever co-production between Hollywood and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. It is notable for having Pope Francis grant the filmmakers a rare preview in his personal screening room at The Vatican, followed by sneak previews at the Army’s iconic Fort Knox, the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.
“The story of these brave chaplains was made all the more poignant by Pope Francis, who, in one of his last official actions, advanced the Sainthood cause of Fr. Emil Kapaun. As so many of us mourn the Pope’s passing, it is so heartening to have our film be able to share the grace and courage of someone who Pope Francis hoped the world would celebrate,” said Executive Producer Fr. Tom Gibbons, CSP.
Veteran film producer and Paulist Productions board member Rich Hull (She’s All That) co-directed, produced, and wrote the film alongside co-director and former combat chaplain Justin D. Roberts (No Greater Love). After producing more than 25 films, this marks Hull’s directorial debut, and his second collaboration with the military after previously sharing the NAACP Image Award with Halle Berry as Executive Producer of the documentary film For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots.
Paulist Productions is a non-profit production company founded over 60 years ago to create thought-provoking entertainment that explores the human condition. It has produced numerous Emmy and other award-winning documentaries, feature films, and television for Paramount, Warner Bros., CBS, ABC, A&E, Lifetime, and many others.
“Having Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey in theaters last November was incredible, but we are even more excited for wider audiences across the U.S. to have the opportunity to see this powerful film at home,” said Rich Hull, Co-Director, Writer, and Producer.
Combat chaplains wear uniforms, but carry no weapons. And their service can involve the ultimate sacrifice. In every battle throughout our nation’s history, they’ve been there…quietly supporting soldiers while bullets flew by. While they may be Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, or Buddhist, when they’re on the front lines of combat, they support and stand up for soldiers of all faiths – and no faith. These are the unsung heroes who help shape our country’s history.
Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey is produced by Rich Hull and Daniel Schnider. Executive producers are Michael Sullivan and Tom Gibbons, CSP for Paulist Productions, and Chris Pratt and Justin D. Roberts. Co-producers are Holly Stocking, David Moore, and Brandon R. Moore.
For more information, please visit FightingSpiritFilm.com.
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PRESS CONTACTS:
Alexis Wallkenstein, AWE PR, [email protected]
Christin Jezak, AWE PR, [email protected]
About Paulist Productions
Paulist Productions is the 60-year-old non-profit production and financing company founded by renowned Catholic priest Fr. Ellwood “Bud” Kieser, also the Founder of the prestigious Humanitas Prize. Paulist’s extensive library of films and Emmy-winning TV shows includes over 500 hours of content, such as the remastered Raul Julia-starrer Romero recounting the story of the recently canonized saint Fr. Oscar Romero; The Fourth Wise Man starring Martin Sheen, Alan Arkin, Eileen Brennan and Ralph Bellamy; and Christmas films such as The Juggler of Notre Dame.
About the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps
The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps was established on July 29, 1775, just six weeks after our nation’s Army was established. Two hundred and eighteen chaplains served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Two hundred and fifty years later, chaplains remain at the center of the Chaplain Corps, but they don’t serve alone. Today’s Army Chaplain Corps includes more than 3,000 chaplains and nearly 3,000 religious affairs specialists serving in uniform, plus more than 50 civilian directors of religious education and nearly 100 other civilians. That unified team of dedicated professionals ministers to America’s soldiers and their families in peacetime and in wartime, and in every corner of the world where America’s Army goes. Accounts of the devotion to duty and courage of Army chaplains abound. For service beyond the call of duty, 27 Army chaplains have been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and seven have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
About Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt is an award-winning actor and producer who first rose to prominence in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation, followed by two top-grossing film series – the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Jurassic World trilogy. He has also voiced the lead roles in the animated films The Lego Movie, Onward, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and The Garfield Movie. Pratt’s other notable film & TV credits include: The Magnificent Seven, Passengers, and The Tomorrow War, and the action thriller television series, The Terminal List which has been greenlit for a second season, as well as a prequel season starring Taylor Kitsch called Dark Wolf.
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