FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN’S JOURNEY HITS ALL TVOD PLATFORMS JUST IN TIME FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Executive Produced by Chris Pratt, the film features numerous military chaplains’ stories, including Fr. Emil Kapaun, whose sainthood cause was recently advanced in one of Pope Francis’ final acts.

Hollywood, CA and The Pentagon, D.C. – May 22, 2025 – Hollywood’s multi-Emmy-winning producer, Paulist Productions, and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps announce the release on Apple TV (here) and all other major video on demand (VOD) platforms of the inspiring documentary film Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey, available to buy or rent just in time for Memorial Day, starting May 23rd. The film became one of the best reviewed documentaries of 2024 during last year’s Veterans Day U.S. theatrical release, earning a rare 100% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Film and faith collide as this incredible documentary feature film celebrates the life of a modern-day hero and saint-in-the-making, U.S. Army combat chaplain Fr. Emil Kapaun, whose uncommon valor uniquely captured the attention of Pope Francis just weeks before his death. Fr. Kapaun is now one step closer to sainthood after being named to “Venerable” status by Pope Francis in one of his extraordinary final acts before his passing.

The movie Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey, executive produced by Chris Pratt, honors Chaplain Kapaun’s example, along with the many men and women who have put their lives on the line to serve in our armed forces.

Watch the trailer here

“America needs to see heroism today more than ever,” said Executive Producer Chris Pratt. “This film inspires us that heroes are real through stories of sacrifice and honor. My hope is that it inspires a new generation of heroes in our country and beyond.”

Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey marks the first-ever co-production between Hollywood and the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. It is notable for having Pope Francis grant the filmmakers a rare preview in his personal screening room at The Vatican, followed by sneak previews at the Army’s iconic Fort Knox, the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.

"The story of these brave chaplains was made all the more poignant by Pope Francis, who, in one of his last official actions, advanced the Sainthood cause of Fr. Emil Kapaun. As so many of us mourn the Pope’s passing, it is so heartening to have our film be able to share the grace and courage of someone who Pope Francis hoped the world would celebrate," said Executive Producer Fr. Tom Gibbons, CSP.

Veteran film producer and Paulist Productions board member Rich Hull (She’s All That) co-directed, produced, and wrote the film alongside co-director and former combat chaplain Justin D. Roberts (No Greater Love). After producing more than 25 films, this marks Hull’s directorial debut, and his second collaboration with the military after previously sharing the NAACP Image Award with Halle Berry as Executive Producer of the documentary film For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots.

Paulist Productions is a non-profit production company founded over 60 years ago to create thought-provoking entertainment that explores the human condition. It has produced numerous Emmy and other award-winning documentaries, feature films, and television for Paramount, Warner Bros., CBS, ABC, A&E, Lifetime, and many others.

“Having Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey in theaters last November was incredible, but we are even more excited for wider audiences across the U.S. to have the opportunity to see this powerful film at home,” said Rich Hull, Co-Director, Writer, and Producer.

Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain’s Journey is produced by Rich Hull and Daniel Schnider. Executive producers are Michael Sullivan and Tom Gibbons, CSP for Paulist Productions, and Chris Pratt and Justin D. Roberts. Co-producers are Holly Stocking, David Moore, and Brandon R. Moore.

For more information, please visit https://fightingspiritfilm.com.

Press Contacts

Alexis Wallkenstein, AWE PR, walkensteina@gmail.com
Christin Jezak, AWE PR, christin.awepr@gmail.com