American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story

American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story, a Fathom Entertainment documentary presented with the Archdiocese of Oklahoma, tells the inspiring story of Father Stanley Rother, an Oklahoma farm boy who became a missionary to the Tz’utujil people of Guatemala and, despite threats to his life, returned to his people because he believed a shepherd cannot abandon his flock.

The film tells the story of Father Stanley Rother, an Oklahoma farm boy who became a missionary to the Tz’utujil people of Guatemala, learning their language, translating the New Testament, training catechists, and helping his community thrive. Even after he was placed on a death list during Guatemala’s civil war, he returned to his people, convinced that “the shepherd cannot run,” and was murdered in his rectory in 1981. Beatified in 2017 as the first U.S. priest recognized as a martyr, Father Rother’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to love and serve others with courage. More than a story about martyrdom, the film invites us to consider what it means to stay faithful when following Christ asks something difficult of us.

Release & Availability

Theatrical run: Aug. 25–27, 2026, nationwide in English (Aug. 25–26) and Spanish (Aug. 27)
Distributor: Fathom Entertainment, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Language: English (Martin Sheen) and Spanish (Fr. Rafael Capó)

The documentary blends archival footage, personal testimonies from family, parishioners, and fellow clergy, and archival photos to present Rother’s life as both a pastoral and heroic witness.

Check local theater listings for Aug. 25–27 screenings.