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Polaris of Enlightenment

The Nordic Times

Polaris of Enlightenment

The Nordic Times

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https://nordictimes.com/culture/sound-of-freedom-the-film-that-divides-the-us/

Culture

Sound of Freedom: The film that divides the US

Published July 15, 2023 – By Editorial staff
Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel) rescues a child from sex trafficking in Sound of Freedom.
5 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The movie Sound of Freedom is the latest talking point not only in Hollywood, but also in the United States. Director Alejandro Monteverde and his film have stirred emotions from both the left and the right. The movie, which conveniently premiered on the Fourth of July, surprisingly went straight to number one in the US and has become a minor box office success. At the same time, the film has been accused of supporting what left-wing liberals call the QAnon movement and promoting so-called conspiracy theories.

The film highlights the darkest of human evils - the sex trafficking of children and teenagers.

Sound of Freedom was completed back in 2018 and was originally slated to be distributed by 20th Century Fox, before Disney acquired the prestigious studio the following year and shelved the film.

A Disney spokesperson has stated in connection with the film's release and the attention it has generated that the company had no knowledge of Sound of Freedom, claiming that the previous deal was arranged by an international division of Fox for distribution only in Latin America.

After Disney acquired Fox, the company behind Sound of Freedom, Santa Fe Films, bought back the rights, and the film has been in limbo ever since. Until now.

Operation Underground Railroad

The film's director and screenwriter, Alejandro Monteverde, has stated that the source of Sound of Freedom is the real-life story of former government agent Tim Ballard.

The film chronicles Ballard's fight to rescue two children and a group of over 50 other young people from sex trafficking, and is based on a real-life mission in which Tim Ballard and his team rescued a total of 123 people - including 55 children. In the movie, Ballard is portrayed by Jim Caviezel of The Passion of the Christ & The Thin Red Line fame.

Since 2013, Tim Ballard has led Operation Underground Railroad, a non-profit organization that fights against modern slavery - including the child sex trade.

 

Utah-based Angel Studios, which is now distributing Sound of Freedom, has used both conventional and unconventional methods to promote the film. One example of the latter is an app that allows people to buy tickets and then donate them to those who cannot afford the price of admission.

Approximately $2.6 million of the movie's opening day sales on July 4 came through the Pay It Forward app, which Angel Studios says was created to "raise awareness of and around child trafficking".

Polarized criticism and QAnon

Conservative groups and many religious communities have supported the partially grassroots-funded film. However, left-liberal groups, mainstream media spokespeople, and various film critics have ranged from critical to almost patronizing and condemnatory.

The negative reception of the film by the systemic media is seen by some as a strange attack on the fight against human trafficking in general, and it is argued that this indicates suspicious priorities in terms of the view of the sexualization of children and adolescents.

 

 

The left-liberal, hippie-style Rolling Stone Magazine is one of the film's strongest critics. Reviewer Miles Klee calls the movie "a superhero movie for dads with brainworms" and comes down hard on the film's message and its audience.

– The QAnon-tinged thriller about child-trafficking is designed to appeal to the conscience of a conspiracy-addled boomer. The mostly white-haired audience around me could be relied on to gasp, moan in pity, mutter condemnations, applaud, and bellow “Amen!” at moments of righteous fury, as when Ballard declares that “God’s children are not for sale.” They were entranced by what they clearly took for a searing exposé. Not even the occasional nasty coughing fit — and we had no shortage of those — could break the spell.

As a result, the film has been accused by its detractors of being a megaphone for the alleged QAnon movement (see info box). Although Sound of Freedom is not directly linked to QAnon, many critics have accused it of distorting the truth about child sex trafficking in line with QAnon's theories.

However, the fact that films based on real events are almost always dramatized is not uncommon, in fact it is almost legion. Two examples are Schindler's List (1993) and Troy (2007). Angel Studios strongly denies the influence of QAnon theories in the film.

Variety's review is more positive and gives the movie a good rating: "Jim Caviezel Anchors a Solidly Made and Disquieting Thriller About Child Sex Trafficking. It's been sold as a "conservative" thriller, but you don't need that mindset to find it compelling".

It is remarkable how different the opinions about the movie are. While many see the work as a solid dramatic thriller with a very important message, others dismiss the film as anything from fake, conspiratorial, and almost a sham.

Endorsed by Mel Gibson and Donald Trump

The film has received open support from well-known figures in the world of film and politics. Mel Gibson, the renowned Christian and anti-child sex trafficking movie star, has released a video clip encouraging people to see Sound of Freedom.

 

 

Donald Trump is another vocal supporter of the film, and the ex-president has been vocal about his support. Last week, he appeared alongside Mel Gibson and UFC legend Dana White at the UFC 290 gala in Las Vegas. The UFC boss has even offered to pay for his employees' tickets to see the movie.

 

A crowd-pleaser

As of July 12, the film has grossed $54 million, making it a box office success considering its relatively low budget of $15 million.

On a per screen basis (2,800 screens), the movie is currently averaging just over $1,500. By comparison, the financially hemorrhaging fifth Indiana Jones film is currently averaging just under $500 per theater (4,600 screens).

In other words, Alejandro Monteverde's drama-thriller Sound of Freedom, with its urgent message about child sex trafficking, is outselling Disney's left-liberal, gender-bending manifesto Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The former has been called fake by some. The latter hailed by some as "groundbreaking" and "important".

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

QAnon

A right-wing movement that emerged in the United States during Donald Trump's presidency in 2017. According to QAnon, Trump is waging a secret battle against the corrupt Deep State.

According to QAnon, Deep State conspirators include Democratic Party leaders such as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, religious leaders such as the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis, and American film and television personalities such as Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Supporters of the movement wear shirts, posters and pins with the letter Q. They also use the acronym "WWG1WGA", which stands for "Where We Go One We Go All".

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https://nordictimes.com/culture/chinas-cultural-gem-jiangsu-visited-stockholm/

Culture

China’s cultural gem Jiangsu visited Stockholm

Published yesterday 8:07 pm – By Editorial staff
Chinese and Swedish artists united east and west in a poetic musical dialogue between the nyckelharpa, guzheng and bamboo flute.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

A colorful cultural and tourism event showcasing the unique traditions, crafts, and modern charm of Jiangsu Province took place in Stockholm on November 7.

The Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Chinese Cultural Center in Stockholm hosted an inspiring event where visitors experienced China's cultural heritage through music, tea, crafts, and interactive activities reflecting both history and the present day.

The highlight was a concert where Chinese and Swedish artists united East and West in a poetic musical dialogue between nyckelharpa (a traditional Swedish keyed fiddle), guzheng (Chinese zither), and bamboo flute, an interpretation of the spirit of "water," the symbol of Jiangsu's elegance and cultural depth.

The Cultural Center was filled with visitors who sampled tea, enjoyed exhibitions, and explored opportunities for future collaborations. Many were fascinated by Jiangsu's combination of tradition, innovation, and artistic finesse.

At the same time, the exhibition Canal Reflections & Craft Revival was displayed with three thematic rooms: The Taste of Tea, The Rhythm of Silk, and The Color of Porcelain. In the tea room, classical paintings such as Huishan Gathering created a poetic atmosphere, where the renowned green tea Biluochun and Yixing clay vessels offered a taste of Jiangnan's refined culture. Jiangsu Phoenix Publishing Group also presented the English edition of The Taste of Chinese Plants, which was shown to an international audience for the first time.

In the silk theme, a sculptural Dala horse created from silk cocoons stood as a symbol of the meeting between Chinese and Swedish craftsmanship. Photo: The Nordic Times

Suzhou Silk Museum and the brand Taihu Snow displayed joint creations where historical patterns met modern design. Additionally, Suzhou University's digital laboratory for traditional crafts demonstrated its new color digitalization system for the kesi embroidery technique, alongside a demonstration by young Suzhou embroidery artists.

A woman from Jiangsu Province displayed her craft of embroidered silk art. Photo: The Nordic Times

In the porcelain section, elegant Yixing celadon and ceramic art from Gaochun were displayed, a modern interpretation of the spirituality of water and the symbolism of color in Chinese aesthetics.

Stephen Brawer, chairman of the Belt & Road Institute in Sweden, gave a speech about Chinese culture and general development and how the country has succeeded in eradicating poverty for nearly 800 million people. Photo: The Nordic Times

Jiangsu is a province that unites tradition, innovation, and sustainable tourism, something that more and more Swedish travelers are discovering. The event is part of Jiangsu's international program for cultural and tourism promotion, with the goal of creating new bridges in tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

— We want to invite our Swedish friends to discover Jiangsu's beauty, not just as a destination, but as a cultural experience that touches all the senses, says Qian Ning from the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

From November 10, 2025, a visa-free arrangement applies for Swedish citizens traveling to China for stays of up to 30 days, a new opportunity to experience Jiangsu's charm up close.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Guzheng – the ancient unique stringed instrument

The guzheng is a Chinese stringed instrument with a history spanning over 2,500 years. The earliest variants emerged during the Warring States period and evolved to become a popular instrument at courts, ceremonies and banquets during the Qin and Han dynasties. The instrument's design changed gradually; it gained more strings and improved resonance, which enabled greater expressiveness and musical variation.​

Particularly during the Tang dynasty, the guzheng's role flourished within both classical and folk music, and several technical innovations made the instrument even more versatile. During the 20th century, new materials were introduced in the strings, and standardized forms were developed to meet the demands of modern music. Today, the guzheng is one of China's most beloved and widely used traditional instruments.

https://nordictimes.com/culture/unique-discovery-found-in-viking-grave/

Culture

Unique discovery found in Viking grave

Published November 14, 2025 – By Editorial staff
3 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

A skeleton from the Viking Age has been found in Norway with burial details that have never before been documented in pre-Christian graves in the Nordic region. The find has led archaeologists to work in secret, and now DNA analyses will provide answers to the mystery surrounding the woman from the 800s.

The discovery was made in Bjugn in Trøndelag, central Norway, after Roy Søreng was searching with a metal detector in a field in Val earlier this year. When he found a belt buckle, a typical ornament from the Viking Age, he contacted the authorities.

Archaeologists from NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet (the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's Museum of Natural History and Archaeology) and Trøndelag municipality then began work at the site where they were able to confirm that it was a grave.

— The Viking Age grave contains what we believe is a woman, buried with typical Viking Age dress and jewelry from the 800s. This indicates that she was a free and probably married woman, perhaps the mistress of the farm, said senior engineer Raymond Sauvage at the Department of Archaeology and Cultural History at Vitenskapsmuseet in a press release.

Remarkable find

The work has since continued in secret because the find was deemed so significant. Now the archaeologists reveal that they found jewelry consisting of two oval brooches that fastened the straps of the pinafore dress, as well as a small ring brooch that closed the neck opening of the undergarment. It was one of these brooches that Søreng originally discovered. The skeleton was also very well preserved.

But the most remarkable aspect is what was found at the dead woman's mouth.

— The most remarkable thing is two scallop shells placed at the deceased's mouth. This is a practice not previously known from pre-Christian graves in Norway. We don't yet know what the symbolism means, said Sauvage.

The burial custom with shells did not become common until approximately 300-400 years later, and pre-Christian graves with shells have never before been found in Scandinavia, Sauvage explains.

— We must try to find out what significance this had, he told Norwegian state broadcaster NRK.

Second find in a short time

The shells were positioned with the curved side outward and the straight edge upward, so that they partially covered the mouth. Along the grave, the researchers also found small bird bones, probably from wings.

During the Viking Age, burials were ritual stagings where jewelry, clothing and grave goods expressed status and identity. The deceased was displayed with dress, bedding and symbolic objects to create a strong memory and emphasize the family's social position.

Earlier this year, another grave was found in the same field, dated to the 700s. The next step is to DNA-analyze the find to learn more about the woman in the grave, including whether she may be related to the person in the other grave.

— We will examine the skeleton, preserve the objects and take samples for dating and DNA analysis. The goal is to learn more about the person and, if possible, kinship to the earlier find from the same location, said Sauvage.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/culture/heres-when-swedes-can-visit-china-visa-free/

Culture

Here’s when Swedes can visit China visa-free

Published November 8, 2025 – By Editorial staff
One of the palaces in the "Forbidden City" in Beijing, China's capital, which is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The Asian giant is making it easier for Swedes who want to explore Chinese culture and business life. Starting November 10, Swedes can now travel to China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

Sweden was the last Nordic country where citizens had to apply for a visa to visit China, while visa-free travel was introduced in neighboring countries in November last year. Visa applications involve both costs and require more planning before trips, with significant limitations on flexibility.

Travel operators have pointed out that this has limited both tourism and business travel. Now it becomes easier to book a trip spontaneously, whether the purpose is to discover the country's culture or develop business contacts, and the regulatory easing is a sign that relations between Sweden and China have improved.

China, which in area is almost as large as all of Europe, carries a 5,000-year-old civilization and culture that is well-preserved and has a great diversity of local cultures, traditions, food, and ethnic minorities with their unique expressions.

In the north, the capital Beijing attracts visitors with iconic sights such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. To the west lies the historic city of Xi'an with the famous Terracotta Army and traces from the ancient Silk Road.

Southern China offers dramatic karst mountains around Guilin, green rice fields, and opportunities for bamboo raft trips on calm rivers. Shanghai combines metropolitan energy with modern architecture and historic quarters where old meets new.

The country also contains lesser-known gems such as Taoism's sacred mountains, Buddhist temples, and traditional villages where old craft traditions are still preserved.

Good to know

The visa exemption applies to business, tourist, family and friendship visits, as well as exchange trips and transit. Travelers must have a regular Swedish passport that is valid for at least six months after entry. The stay may not exceed 30 days, and the exemption applies through December 31, 2026.

Upon entry, travelers may provide fingerprints and facial photos. Since the country experienced a severe period of terrorism, stricter controls were introduced both at entry into the country and on certain travel routes within the country.

Surveillance cameras are extensively deployed in public places and in traffic.

At the same time, the country is considered one of the world's safest to visit, with very few violent crimes. China now has the world's most modern infrastructure with low living costs and high accessibility to everyday services, social activities, and a rich cultural life.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/culture/david-icke-returns-to-youtube-after-five-year-ban-over-covid-statements/

Culture

David Icke returns to YouTube after five-year ban over COVID statements

Internet censorship

Published November 4, 2025 – By Editorial staff
"It's nice to see you again", David Icke greets his YouTube followers.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

David Icke is back on YouTube after being suspended for over five years. In a video message, he confirms that he was removed from the platform in April 2020 due to statements that contradicted the official COVID narrative.

Icke, 73, was formerly a professional footballer and BBC sports commentator before he began writing and lecturing in the 1990s about alternative explanations for world events and power structures. He has published numerous books and built a global following through his theories about how the world functions.

In his comeback message, Icke describes how he was suddenly removed from the platform following a livestreamed interview that reached a large audience.

— It was in April of 2020 when I was, shall we say, saying things that were at odds with the COVID narrative that I was thrown off YouTube and everything else unceremoniously half an hour after a live interview that got a massive audience, he says in the video.

All content to be restored

Icke states that he has been informed that all previous content from his channel, which was deleted five and a half years ago, will be restored on the platform. He also mentions that there is "loads of other content" that could not be published during the suspension period.

The author also has a new book coming out titled "The Roadmap: Escaping the Maze of Madness", which he describes as "a real eye-opener" when it comes to explaining "the whole conspiracy's" scope.

— So it's with great pleasure that I announce that I'm back on YouTube because of the reach, because of the impact that the channel has and the impact it can have on communicating information, says Icke.

He urges his followers to subscribe to the channel and notes that it "helps the algorithm". Icke also runs the website ickonic.com where he published material during the suspension period.

Uncertainties surrounding the reversal

The YouTube channel was shut down in April 2020 as part of the platform's measures against content that violated the platform's very strict guidelines regarding COVID-19. Icke had on several occasions expressed views that deviated from health authorities' official directives about the virus and the experimental mRNA vaccines, which also led to him being banned from several social media platforms.

His work has over the years encompassed theories about global power structures, technology and societal development. He has also built a presence through books, lectures and digital content.

Why YouTube is now choosing to restore Icke's account is unclear, however, and the platform has not publicly commented on the decision.

— It's nice to see you again, Icke concludes his message to his followers.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com