part of the new movie “Sound of freedom” based on a true story filmed in Calexico
Calexico - The resounding echoes of freedom reverberate through the halls of theaters as the long-awaited film, "Sound of Freedom," finally graces the silver screen. Based on the true story of former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Tim Ballard and his unwavering fight against child trafficking, this cinematic masterpiece directed by Alejandro Monteverde promises to captivate audiences far and wide. Starring acclaimed actors Jim Caviezel and Mira Sorvino, the movie can now be experienced at the Calexico 10 Theaters, the Movies in Imperial, and Cinemark Imperial Valley 14.
Five years have passed since the cameras rolled in the streets of Calexico, etching the poignant tale of Special Agent Ballard into cinematic history. Throughout the production, a dedicated group of Imperial Valley residents, including the passionate Abbie Solarez of Brawley, lent their talent as extras and production assistants. Solarez's involvement extended beyond the scenes, as his grandson, Jason, shared a defining moment with Caviezel, embodying the character of the "second Jose" rescued by Special Agent Ballard.
Solarez fondly recollected, "We shot the movie scenes in Tim's real booth, the one he worked in here in Calexico at the Port of Entry." Indeed, "Sound of Freedom" drew inspiration from Ballard's relentless pursuit of justice, sparked during his tenure at the Calexico Port of Entry as an undercover operative for the U.S. Child Sex Tourism Jump Team. Driven by a profound mission, Ballard established Operation Underground Railroad in 2013, a formidable nonprofit dedicated to assisting law enforcement agencies, including the Imperial County Sheriff's Office, in combating sex trafficking through data mining and criminal tracing software.
For five unforgettable days, "Sound of Freedom" cast its cinematic spell upon Calexico. Solarez, donning the dual roles of location scout and production coordinator, skillfully matched the local settings with their Colombian counterparts. Behind the familiar facade of Applebee's Grill + Bar, the abandoned streets came alive with intense chase scenes, while an unassuming house in Calexico transformed into a Colombian abode for breathtaking exterior shots. Solarez's discerning eye for detail ensured the seamless blending of two worlds.
Retired Calexico Police Chief Gonzalo Gerardo, too, cherishes cherished memories of the production, confessing to a hint of starstruck awe in the presence of Caviezel. Together, they bear witness to the profound impact of "Sound of Freedom" on the local community.
The film sheds light on an alarming truth: the sex trafficking market has surpassed the drug and arms trade, with Calexico emerging as a focal point in this global crisis. In the United States alone, more than 365,000 children go missing each year, with approximately 30% falling victim to trafficking—roughly 109,000 innocent lives. The Imperial Valley bears witness to thousands of human trafficking victims, predominantly children, crossing its borders. Tim Ballard, the visionary behind Operation Underground Railroad, passionately conveyed these stark realities at the Second Annual Human Trafficking and Commercial Exploitation of Children Summit in El Centro.
As Ballard stated, "It's a hotbed here because thousands are smuggled through these ports." The fastest-growing criminal enterprise on the planet, human trafficking, has now become a formidable rival to the drug trade, necessitating urgent and concerted efforts to combat it. The Imperial County District Attorney's Office estimates that this nefarious industry generates a staggering $9 billion, with approximately 10,000 children smuggled into the United States annually, destined for the desolate world of commercial sex trafficking. Ballard, a keynote speaker at the summit, passionately emphasized the magnitude of this global problem.
Filming for "Sound of Freedom" spanned Colombia and California, with Cartagena, Bogotá, Isla Barú, and Imperial County serving as the evocative backdrops. Principal photography commenced in the summer of 2018 and concluded later that year. The production team ventured across Imperial County, immersing themselves in various neighborhoods and streets, breathing life into the different scenes that bring this harrowing tale to life. For several key moments, Calexico proved instrumental, with the Old Downtown Calexico port of entry, the surroundings of Applebee's Grill + Bar, and Aten Road in the city of Imperial lending their distinctive essence to the film.
As "Sound of Freedom" unfolds on the big screen, it beckons viewers to confront the harsh realities of child trafficking, igniting a collective call to action. Let us rally behind organizations like Operation Underground Railroad and unite in the shared pursuit of a world where every child is free. This extraordinary film, born from a fusion of reality and artistry, will leave an indelible mark on hearts and minds, inspiring us all to be the sound of freedom for those who have been silenced.