Narrated by Martin Sheen, American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story Brings the Remarkable Life of America’s First Martyred Priest to Theatres August 26–27, from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Fathom Entertainment
Published by on Jun 09, 2026 7:00 AM
Watch the American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story Trailer Here
Academy Award® Nominee Featured in Feature-Length Documentary Chronicling the Life, Ministry and Legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother, the First American-Born Priest Recognized as a Martyr by the Catholic Church
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENVER, Colo. – June 9, 2026 – The extraordinary journey of Blessed Stanley Rother, the Oklahoma-born missionary priest whose unwavering faith and service inspired generations of Catholics around the world, is coming to theatres from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Narrated by Academy Award® Nominee Martin Sheen, “American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story” is a feature-length documentary that will debut in theatres nationwide for a special two-night release on August 26-27, 2026. American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story is produced by Lampstand Story Company and distributed by Fathom Entertainment, the leading specialty distributor of content to theatrical partners worldwide.
Born on a wheat farm in Oklahoma, Father Stanley Rother devoted his life to serving the indigenous Tz’utujil people of Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. He immersed himself in their culture, learned their language and helped translate the New Testament into Tz’utujil, becoming a beloved shepherd to the community he served.
As violence escalated during Guatemala’s civil war and his name appeared on a death list, Father Rother was urged to leave. Instead, he chose to return to his parishioners, guided by his conviction that “the shepherd cannot run.” His decision ultimately led to his murder in 1981 and, decades later, recognition as the first American-born priest officially declared a martyr by the Catholic Church.
“Blessed Stanley Rother’s story begins in the fields of Oklahoma and leads to the mountains of Guatemala, where he gave his life in service to the people he loved,” said Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City. “Faced with credible threats to his life, he could have remained safely at home. Instead, he chose to return to his parish because he believed a shepherd does not abandon his flock. His witness of courage, fidelity and sacrificial love is as relevant today as ever. American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story offers audiences an opportunity to encounter the inspiring true story of a remarkable priest whose faith led him to the ultimate act of discipleship.”
“Blessed Stanley Rother was an ordinary man who responded to God’s call with extraordinary courage, ultimately laying down his life for the people he served in Guatemala,” said María Ruiz Scaperlanda, the promoter of Blessed Stanley Rother’s Cause for Canonization. “Through American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story, audiences will encounter not only a compelling true story, but also a powerful example of holiness, sacrifice and missionary discipleship. My hope is that this film will inspire countless people to discover Blessed Stanley’s life, seek his intercession and recognize that sainthood is possible for ordinary men and women who faithfully follow Christ wherever He leads.”
Through firsthand testimonies, historical footage and immersive storytelling, American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story brings to life the courage, faith and enduring legacy of a humble American priest whose witness continues to inspire people around the world.
In 2017, Pope Francis formally recognized Father Rother’s martyrdom and beatified him, further cementing his place in Catholic history.
For more information about the film, to view the trailer and receive exclusive updates, visit www.rotherdoc.com.
Tickets for American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story will be available online on July 28, the Feast Day of Stanley Rother, and at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations subject to change). For more information and to be among the first notified when tickets go on sale, please visit FathomEntertainment.com.
About the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City comprises more than 226,000 Catholics in central and western Oklahoma and covers 46 counties and 42,470 square miles. The sacred purpose of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is to joyfully witness to the Catholic faith in central and western Oklahoma through the teaching, sanctifying and governing ministry of Christ and His Church so that the Body of Christ is made present, the universal call to holiness proclaimed, and all people are welcomed into the promise of eternal life. Learn more at www.archokc.org.
About Lampstand
Lampstand Story Co is a team of award-winning storytellers based in Oklahoma City. Since 2010, the company has partnered with mission-driven and faith-based organizations, global brands, and international nonprofits to create films and campaigns that move audiences to action. Their previous work includes “Sewing Hope”, “Curse of Stigma”, “Journey to Honor” and “Killing Pain,” which have been featured in film festivals globally and on Netflix, PBS and National Geographic.
About Fathom Entertainment
Fathom Entertainment is the leading global specialty distributor of content to movie theatres. For more than 20 years, Fathom Entertainment has pioneered theatrical distribution of events and special engagements across various genres and formats, including feature films, episodic content, documentaries, concerts and live events. Fathom consistently ranks among the top 10 theatrical distributors in North America and distributes content to cinemas worldwide. Fathom Entertainment is owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), and Regal Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L). For more information, visit FathomEntertainment.com.
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Contacts:
Kevin Wandra
Carmel Communications
(404) 788-1276
[email protected]
Sammantha Snowden
Fathom Entertainment
(850) 830-9982
[email protected]
