ST. LOUIS — A feature film based on the life of a St. Louis native who was burned as a boy will be shown in theaters nationwide this fall.
“Soul on Fire” is based on John O’Leary’s road to recovery from a near-death incident when he was nine years old.
He was burned on 100% of his body after accidentally catching himself and his home on fire in the late 1980s. O’Leary wrote a best-selling book inspired by journey called “On Fire: 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life.”
Several scenes were filmed in St. Louis where pivotal events in O’Leary’s life happened. Locations featured in the movie include the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Saint Louis University, Shrine of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mercy Hospital, Saratoga Lanes and more.
“It’s a celebration of the everyday heroes who show up in our lives when we need them most, as well as a love letter to the city where I was raised and where I live today,” O’Leary said.
“My hope is that this film will inspire audiences to recognize the fire burning within them and to live with greater courage, passion and purpose.”
Those who star in the new movie are William H. Macy, John Corbett, Joel Courtney, DeVon Franklin, Masey McLain and Stephanie Szostak, according to a press release, with Sean McNamara as the director and produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment’s AFFIRM Films.
“Soul on Fire” covers universal themes, such as “reminding us that when community comes together, when personal imperfections are embraced and when we allow who we wish we were to finally give way to the gift we already are, amazing things can happen,” the press release states.
The movie received Missouri tax credits, which helped provide jobs for more than 550 Missourians during the 19-day filming period, according to the press release. “Soul on Fire” was the first to benefit from the state’s motion media tax credit.
“I love St. Louis, and I love how well our community – its people and our landmarks – are represented in the film,” O’Leary said.
“While the settings, architecture and backdrops all added to the film, this is really a story about who we are as a city and as a community. I was fortunate to have many of the same people who helped me 40 years ago take part in this production, and I can’t wait to share our story with the world.”
“Soul on Fire” will be in theaters exclusively on Oct. 10.
