The new film centers on America's combat chaplains representing various faiths.

"Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey" is a new documentary that focuses on the experiences of America's combat chaplains. The film, which will be shown in theaters on Nov. 8, was the result of many years of emotional work by its director, who shared this information with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Four years have passed since I began my journey," Rich Hull stated in a phone interview from Los Angeles.

The director was initially unaware of military combat chaplains, but he was soon struck by their tales of courage and valor.

"He stated, "These individuals wear a uniform while going to war but do not carry weapons." I wondered, "Who would willingly participate in such an activity without a weapon?" Clearly, it is a job that offers more than just a salary."

The film is narrated by its co-director, a former U.S. Army chaplain named Justin Roberts, who struggled to adjust to civilian life after serving in Afghanistan.

Emil Kapaun, an Army chaplain who perished in a North Korean prisoner of war camp, is honored with a funeral in Wichita, Kansas, where Roberts attends the service.

Kapaun, a Catholic priest, received the Medal of Honor in 2013.

The film initially did not focus on Kapaun's story, which was about the history of the Chaplain Corps and the tales of the 419 chaplains who perished while serving their country. However, in 2021, Kapaun's remains were discovered and returned to his hometown in Kansas for a proper burial, causing the film to shift its focus.

"Hull said, "Roberts and I were uncertain about how they would fit into our work, but we assumed they might. So, we sent Justin with a camera crew to the funeral, and Justin believed no one would attend and he would be the only person there.""

As it turns out, that was not the case.

The funeral "effectively halted the entire town of Wichita," Hull stated.

"Father Kapaun's celebration attracted people from all over, not just to honor him, but to recognize all combat chaplains. I believe it had a significant impact on Justin's life."

The heartbeat of the movie lies in the story of Kapaun's homecoming and burial, according to Hull.

"We constructed a film structure centered on Justin's personal journey, as well as the journeys of the former combat chaplains who influenced him."

The Chaplain Corps has its roots in the Revolutionary War, as Hull pointed out.

"The Chaplain Corps is remarkable because it encompasses all faiths."

In the movie, listeners are given insights from Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Jewish spiritual leaders.

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Hull stated that for him, the unique opportunity to live one's faith on a daily basis is what makes the thing interesting about that, particularly for people of faith.

"While a chaplain may belong to a specific faith, on the battlefield, you encounter soldiers of diverse beliefs and no faith."

"You must determine how to overcome the gap on crucial questions of life and death, while bullets fly around you."

"The Journey of a Combat Chaplain: Fighting Spirit" is now showing in theaters across the country.