Executive Producer and first time director, Richard Hull talks about his new documentary, ‘Fighting Spirit: A Chaplain’s Journey‘ releasing Friday, November 8, 2024.
Primarily known for producing such films as, ‘American Psycho II: All American Girl‘, ‘She’s All That‘, ‘Daddy Day Camp‘ and ‘For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots‘, goes behind the camera with retired Army chaplain, Justin D. Roberts to co-direct, ‘Fighting Spirit: A Chaplain’s Journey‘.
I first met Chaplain Roberts at the 24th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival, where ‘Fighting Spirit: A Chaplain’s Journey‘ had extended from one initial screening to three, something completely unheard of at a film festival. One year later, ‘Fighting Spirit: A Chaplain’s Journey‘ has received a distribution deal and premieres in theaters on Friday, November 8, 2024, heading into the Veterans Day Weekend.
Hull was kind enough to chat with me about ‘Fighting Spirit: A Chaplain’s Journey‘ and the significance these military men and women play in the lives of the armed forces. They are also the only people within the military that are completely unarmed sans a flashlight and at most a utility knife.
Hull takes us through the four year journey of making ‘Fighting Spirit: A Chaplain’s Journey‘ and how the history of military chaplains extends back to the Revolutionary War with then General Washington.
Official Synopsis:
In 2021, 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. When 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 two combat chaplains from different eras finally collide, we’re reminded of how the profound weight of history and the immense power of love can converge to produce a life-changing moment of healing.
For more information about ‘Fighting Spirit: A Chaplain’s Journey‘ visit, https://fightingspiritfilm.com/. For more films from Paulists Productions visit, https://www.paulistproductions.org/.
