When Hollywood magic meets Midwestern heart and the two come together for one unforgettable night in St. Louis, it tends to feel more like family than a theater full of filmmakers. On October 2, the city rolled out the red carpet at the historic Powell Hall for the premiere of Soul on Fire, the moving new film from Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films. Based on the true story of local hero and bestselling author John O’Leary, this was more than just a movie premiere, it was a homecoming.
Awards Buzz swapped palm trees for the Gateway Arch to catch up with the film’s extraordinary cast on the carpet. We learned that while California has sunshine, there is nothing quite like the warmth of St. Louis hospitality.
One by one, actors William H. Macy, John Corbett, Joel Courtney, Masey McLain, DeVon Franklin, Stephanie Szostak, and more arrived. They were joined by director Sean McNamara and the man behind it all, John O’Leary himself. Family, friends, and fans gathered as heartfelt hugs were exchanged on the crimson carpet outside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
William H. Macy spoke with Awards Buzz about playing legendary announcer Jack Buck, whose compassion toward young John was a huge part of the story. John Corbett opened up about portraying Denny O’Leary, a father navigating unimaginable trauma with grit and grace. And director Sean McNamara spoke on the importance of telling this story, emphasizing the spirit of St. Louis.
Set and filmed in the very city where it all happened, Soul on Fire is a celebration of resilience, family, and the power of kindness. In these interviews, the cast echoed that sentiment over and over. As DeVon Franklin said so eloquently, “We need more stories like this right now. Stories that light a path forward.”
Soul on Fire is in theaters nationwide beginning October 10.
Check out interviews from the red carpet with Awards Buzz’s Sari Cohen.
FILM’S WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA:
Website: https://soulonfiremovie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulOnFireMovie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulonfiremovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulonfiremovie/ X: https://x.com/SoulOnFireMovie
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