In recent years, The Epoch Times has experienced a significant surge in popularity, establishing itself as a prominent right-wing media entity known for propagating unsubstantiated election conspiracies. Now, the conservative media giant is venturing into new territory: Hollywood.

Epoch Studios, a division of The Epoch Times Association, is preparing for the release of "The Firing Squad," a compelling drama featuring Kevin Sorbo and Cuba Gooding Jr. The film portrays the spiritual transformation of two drug smugglers while incarcerated, marking Epoch's entry into the expanding genre of faith-based cinema alongside recent successes like "Sound of Freedom" and "Unsung Hero."

Set to premiere in theaters on August 2, "The Firing Squad" arrives at a time when other conservative media outlets are increasingly exploring entertainment avenues to counter what they perceive as Hollywood's liberal agenda. The establishment of Epoch Studios underscores the dramatic evolution of The Epoch Times from a modest print startup in 2000, founded by adherents of Falun Gong, into a major conservative platform amplifying Donald Trump's narratives and conservative perspectives.

A.J. Bauer, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama specializing in right-wing media, notes that Epoch's narrative approach resonates with its audience's experiences of persecution under the Chinese Communist Party, fostering potential political alliances, particularly among Christian viewers.

Epoch Studios has positioned itself as a bastion of storytelling that promotes hope and spiritual growth, as highlighted by executive director Sally Sun. Overseeing a portfolio that includes documentaries and religious-themed specials, Sun underscores the studio's commitment to uplifting narratives.

Director Tim Chey, recognized for his past work in faith-based cinema, enthusiastically embraced Epoch Studios' involvement in "The Firing Squad," emphasizing the studio's pivotal role in bringing his vision to life. Inspired by true events in Indonesia, where condemned drug smugglers embraced Christianity before their execution, the film promises to resonate with audiences seeking profound, faith-driven narratives.

Chey's filmmaking journey spanned various locations across the United States before settling on an abandoned prison as the ideal setting, capturing the essence of the story within a modest budget during an intense two-month shoot. Garnering support from evangelical networks mirrors the success of "Sound of Freedom," which exceeded box office expectations through community engagement.

Endorsements from figures like Randy Travis and Brett Favre underscore the film's mission to evangelize through cinema, reflecting growing demand for films that align with religious values, potentially reshaping the entertainment landscape.

Despite legal challenges, including the indictment of CFO Weidong "Bill" Guan on money laundering charges, Epoch Studios remains focused on its theatrical debut, navigating a competitive environment dominated by established players. Its entry into Hollywood represents a bold step toward influencing mainstream entertainment narratives while facing scrutiny over organizational integrity and aspirations for commercial success in the conservative and Christian-focused film market.