Chris Pratt, Filmmakers Launch Prayer Campaign
By Movieguide® Contributor
Filmmakers Chris Pratt, Rich Hull and Daniel Schniƒschder recently launched a viral unity and prayer campaign ahead of their documentary, FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN’S JOURNEY, which releases on Nov. 8.
“In advance of Veterans Day, the filmmakers behind the upcoming documentary FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN’S JOURNEY have invited audiences to join a viral campaign celebrating veterans and combat chaplains,” a press release reads. “The campaign encourages people of all faiths to share personal messages of gratitude and prayers for the military, chaplains, and other everyday heroes through social media videos and posts. The film’s Executive Producer Chris Pratt jumped in with an early video post on Instagram.”
“Whether you call this a prayer, an affirmation, or even a challenge, share this message as we prepare to tell the stories of combat chaplains and our daily heroes that inspire us all,” Pratt, Hull and Schnider captioned the video on Instagram. “FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN’S JOURNEY is coming to theaters this Veterans Day!”
The documentary shares the journey of an Army chaplain who is inspired by the famous U.S. Army Ranger in Black Hawk Down, four chaplains who gave up their lives on the USS Dorchester in WWII and a chaplain who recently returned home after 70 years of service and may be canonized as a saint soon.
“We hope to spark a movement of gratitude this Veterans Day by honoring these unsung heroes and amplifying their stories,” said Executive Producer Michael Sullivan. “We love seeing the wave of messages as the film approaches its debut only in theaters.”
Pratt said, “This movie reflects an underserved community of heroes and is a reminder for everyone–no matter how we live our lives in the world–to have a ‘fighting spirit’ in service to others.”
“Marking the first-ever co-production between Hollywood and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, FIGHTING SPIRIT’s story begins when the remains of prisoner-of-war and Army combat chaplain Emil Kapaun are identified after 70 years, with much of our nation being captivated by their journey home…
READ MORE: CHRIS PRATT BRINGS ARMY CHAPLAIN’S STORY TO BIG SCREEN: ‘AN HONOR’
To support and thank those who have served America, the filmmakers encourage audiences to share photos and videos with #FightingSpiritUnity and tag @FightingSpiritFilm.
“FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN’S JOURNEY speaks to the complex lives of our warriors and the mission of their families,” added Amanda Fox, President of the Military Council of Catholic Women Worldwide. “Suffering on and off the battlefield, the effects of war, our military communities desperately require the unique service of our military chaplains. The story of Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun’s actions and sacrifice is an amazing example. His actions of service, even as a prisoner of war are an inspiration. Today’s culture is in desperate need of his example.”
“A beautifully directed documentary on the subject of combat chaplains…Take my word for it and go see it!” Pratt shared on the film’s Instagram on Oct. 29.
