Multi-Emmy winning producer Paulist Productions and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, together with Executive Producer Chris Pratt, present the new documentary film Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey. Falling Forward Films, led by distribution veteran Scott Kennedy, has announced a theatrical release on November 8th, in honor of Veterans Day, in over 20 major U.S. markets, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Dallas.
Executive Producer Chris Pratt said, “I’m so excited for audiences to see this film theatrically on Veterans Day. The work done by combat chaplains to support our soldiers through issues of life and death on the frontlines is truly extraordinary, and to be part of celebrating this story of a chaplain’s journey in such a cinematic way is an honor.”
When the remains of prisoner-of-war and Army combat chaplain Emil Kapaun (perhaps the Vatican’s next saint) 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 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.
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. Perhaps more than any other profession, diversity is their unique and inspirational strength because, 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.
For more information please visit https://fightingspiritfilm.
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. Up next for Pratt in 2025 is The Electric State for Netflix and Mercy for Amazon/ MGM.
About Falling Forward Films
Falling Forward Films is a leader in independent film marketing and distribution. Formed by industry executives with a combined 35-plus years of experience, and who have collectively worked on well over 350 theatrically released films, Falling Forward Films, though its passionate love of film and the industry as a whole, is a "filmmaker-friendly" company that endeavors to continue to bring creative and innovative content to the world.
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