Chris Pratt And Falling Forward Films – FIGHTING SPIRIT – In Theaters November 8
CHRIS PRATT AND FALLING FORWARD FILMS BOARD MILITARY COMBAT CHAPLAINS DOCUMENTARY FOR VETERANS DAY THEATRICAL RELEASE
“Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey,” Co-Directed by NAACP Image Award-Winner Rich Hull (in his directorial debut) and Former Combat Chaplain Justin D. Roberts, Is The First Co-Production Between Hollywood and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps
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.
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. Hull is also a founder of the ViX streaming service, the largest Spanish-language streaming service in the world, which was acquired by TelevisaUnivision in 2021.
Co-director, producer, and writer Hull said, “Chris Pratt is an icon of the big screen, and to see him spark to our film so genuinely is an incredible compliment. We’re so grateful to partner with him, along with Scott Kennedy, Bryce Campbell, and our friends at Falling Forward Films, to bring this unique story to theaters on November 8th.”
Michael Sullivan, President of Paulist Productions, added, “This project has been years in the making, with everyone involved pitching in with extraordinary contributions – from Rich Hull’s tireless work to our first-of-its-kind partnership with the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, and now to the addition of Chris Pratt as our partner.” Added Chaplain (Colonel) Brandon Moore, Chief of Recruiting and Accessions for the Army Chief of Chaplains Office, “This film will inspire viewers from diverse backgrounds as they discover these unknown accounts of heroism and sacrifice. The Chaplain Corps is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such filmmaking experts to bring this story to life and honor our nearly 250-year legacy.”
Jeff Struecker, US Army Chaplain, is a pastor, author, and featured keynote speaker. He enlisted in the US Army at age 18 and served for almost 23 years before retiring as a Major. Jeff served in special operations units in the US Army, holding positions from Private to Platoon Sergeant in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Strueker served as a US Army Chaplain in various Airborne and Ranger units before retiring in 2011. In 2017, Jeff was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. Struecker was portrayed by Brian Van Holt in the 2001 film Black Hawk Down.
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. Pratt is represented by Julie Darmody at Rise Management, Jason Heyman at UTA, and attorney Jason Sloane at Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Travis Tamerro at UTA is repping the film for streaming and other distribution.
For more information please visit https://fightingspiritfilm.com/.
