Soul on Fire, the cinematic retelling of motivational speaker John O’Leary’s life, filmed in St. Louis in 2023, had a VIP screening yesterday at the Hi-Pointe Theatre. The film details O’Leary’s life and struggles while flashing glimpses of St. Louis across the big screen.
At age 9, O’Leary suffered burns on 100 percent of his body. After seeing other kids playing with gasoline, he tried it at home in his garage. But the effects were devastating. The fumes inside the gas can caught fire and created an explosion, catching everything in the garage on fire, including O’Leary himself.
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Now, after a life of triumphs and tribulations, O’Leary is an in-demand speaker who has written two books and turned his inspirational story into a film he hopes will touch hearts across the nation.
“My favorite part is how they might leave inspired afterwards,” O’Leary says.
Throughout the film you see locations like the Arch, Mercy Hospital, and Busch Stadium. One of the main characters in the movie is the late Jack Buck, the legendary announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals.
The film is nothing short of moving. With my own tears streaming down my face and the noise of sniffling viewers in the audience, the emotion at the screening felt widespread.
While it is O’Leary’s story, he says, “None of this is about me.” He makes a point of recognizing the people in his life who impacted him, and urges the people in attendance to realize that you don’t have to be in the Hall of Fame or be a burn survivor to make an impact.
After the screening, attendees with tear-soaked cheeks made their way across the street to the Cheshire Inn for lunch and a panel with O’Leary, the film’s director Sean McNamara, and two of the film’s actors, Joel Courtney and Masey McLain.
McNamara also directed 2011’s Soul Surfer, about shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton. He was asked what drew him to being the director of this movie, and helping in telling John’s story?
“I love making stories that inspire people,” McNamara said. “When I read the script, it moved me emotionally. John’s story blew me away.”
Courtney, who plays O’Leary in the film, said that having O’Leary on set was a benefit for everyone. “He is one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met, it was an honor to bring his story to life,” Courtney said.
The film officially premieres on October 10, but tickets go on sale on July 23.
