Tim Ballard in Guayaquil: The main surgery I performed was in Canoa (Ecuador) and if we can do it in Canoa we can do it anywhere, that’s the hope

“When God tells you what to do, don’t hesitate.” The above is one of the phrases that resonates deeply in one of the scenes of the film sound of freedomreleased in Ecuador on August 31. But beyond being dialogue written for the big screen, it’s the conviction and conviction that drove former U.S. federal agent Tim Ballard to quit his job. when this became an obstacle to doing what he believed was right and crossing his own boundaries to free dozens of children from a network of sex trafficking and exploitation.

While the 135-minute film focuses specifically on an operation Ballard and his team are performing in Colombia, His work, as reported for this newspaper, extends to many other countries, including Ecuador.

“The most important surgery I have ever done, even more important —to believe— that what you’re going to see in the movie happened last year in Canoa in Ecuador“, the guest recalled on the night of Thursday, September 7 at the premiere of the Guayaquil film. “It happened in a city where two fugitive pedophiles from the Netherlands settled and hid, thinking that no one would find them committing their crimes, but they have already been convicted. They are already in prison thanks to the National Police of Ecuador, the US Embassy and the team we entered with.”

Since then, as Ballard explained, his assistance to the minors didn’t end with the arrest They now care for more than 300 children in this rural parish, providing them with food and education. in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture.

“We are going to forever change Canoa, which was once a town of vulnerable children, Now it will be a city that feels happy and safe and this is the hope: if we can do it in Canoe, we can do it anywhere”, he assured to the applause of those present.

A special message from Jim Caviezel

It’s no secret that for Jim Caviezel, who plays the character of Tim Ballard sound of freedom, His dedication to the film transcends an acting contract. Therefore, We recommend that when you attend a screening, you wait a few minutes while the credits roll. for a final salute from the actor Passion of Christ (2004).

But we’ll give you some clues. While the production may seem to some viewers to be a movie that is hard to digest or evokes negative feelings such as sadness or fear, Caviezel, on the other hand, will encourage you not to live in fear and tune in to hope.

“It’s about believing we can make a difference because we can,” says the 54-year-old actor He then puts the spotlight on those he considers to be the true heroes from the story: the little ones Rocío (Aparicio Crystal) And Miguel (Lucas Avila).

“This movie isn’t about me or Tim Ballard, it’s about the kids (…) sound of freedom It’s a heroic story, but again, I’m not talking about the character I’m playing, but the brave brothers working together to save each other. They are the real heroes. And together we can change these children and the countless other children they represent about the most important people in the world, who tell their stories in a way that only cinema can achieve”. (JO)