Pro-life film on the trial of Kermit Gosnell defies the odds with ratings triumph

Industry publications and the mainstream news media for the most part overlooked “Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer,” an independent dramatic film that offered the details of the investigation and murder trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell.

The film, however has done surprisingly well following its opening on Friday. It has emerged as the No. 1 indie film in the U.S. over the weekend and No. 10 among all box office offerings according to BoxOfficeMojo.com, an industry source.

The Los Angeles Times and Forbes were among the few news organizations that recognized the film, according to coproducers Phelim McAleer and his wife Ann McElhinney. In contrast, such feature films as “First Man” garnered 280 reviews. Nevertheless, their “Gosnell” movie made it to 673 theaters screens across the country, with considerable support from a devoted and motivated audience.

The producers credit “social media, grass roots marketing, alternative and conservative media and word-of-mouth” for the promising success.

The film previously was financed through an unprecedented crowdfunding campaign that raising $2.3 million from more than 30,000 donors in 45 days for the production — an average of more than $51,000 each day.

“By refusing to review the film, the media are ignoring a historic film about a historic case — and also telling 30,000 people their record crowdfunding is not important and doesn’t matter. It’s not surprising that no one trusts the media anymore,” Mr. McAleer said in a statement.

The mainstream press simply did not want to cast “a negative spotlight” on abortion, he added.

The husband/wife team, who also wrote a book explaining the case, have been prepared for critics and analysts to ignore their film, which is detailed at GosnellMovie.com.

“In politics there’s an equivalent term for this: voter suppression. It is a sad attempt to pretend our film isn’t in theaters across America. But they can’t ignore the box office numbers. We humbly thank all of our fans across the country for this great opening. The people have spoken,” Mr. McAleer noted.