Epoch Studios, associated with The Epoch Times, known for promoting right-wing news and election conspiracies, is venturing into filmmaking with the release of “The Firing Squad.” The movie, a drama centered around drug smugglers finding God in prison, is part of a trend in faith-based cinema, seeking to cater to audiences seeking alternative content to Hollywood’s progressive narratives.
The creation of Epoch Studios has drawn attention to the evolution of The Epoch Times from a fringe print newspaper founded by Falun Gong followers into a major conservative outlet. Despite being criticized for spreading misinformation about voter fraud and election conspiracies, The Epoch Times is expanding its reach into entertainment with a focus on Christian-themed content.
Directed by Tim Chey and starring Kevin Sorbo and Cuba Gooding Jr., “The Firing Squad” tells the story of Christian prisoners facing execution in Indonesia, with real-life events as its inspiration. The film, made for under $5 million, is utilizing crowdfunding and endorsements from celebrities like Randy Travis and Brett Favre to promote its release.
While faith-based films have found success in targeting underserved audiences, Epoch Studios’ commercial prospects remain uncertain. Other conservative and Christian-focused media companies like The Daily Wire and Fox Nation have also ventured into entertainment, indicating a growing trend towards alternative content production. Despite a recent scandal involving its chief financial officer, The Epoch Times remains determined to produce storytelling that aligns with its values of hope and growth.
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