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American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story

Play trailer 0:40 Poster for American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story Aug 2026 2h 3m Documentary Biography Faith & Spirituality Play Trailer Watchlist
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"American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story," a feature-length documentary narrated by acclaimed actor Martin Sheen, tells the true story of an American priest who was murdered for refusing to abandon his people. Born on an Oklahoma farm, Father Stanley Rother left to serve the Indigenous Tz'utujil people of Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, during the country's brutal civil war. Immersing himself in the life of the community, he learned their language, shared their suffering, helped translate the New Testament into Tz'utujil and became a beloved spiritual father to the people he served. As violence and persecution closed in, Father Stan became convinced that "the shepherd cannot run," and he returned to Guatemala from the U.S. knowing it could cost him his life. Only months later, masked gunmen broke into his rectory and murdered him. "American Martyr" reveals the witness of Blessed Stanley, whose courage, sacrificial love and unwavering faith continue to inspire audiences around the world.

Audience Reviews

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Marcellino Aug 31, 2026 This film helped me to appreciate what a hero we have in Blessed Stanley Rother! Very inspirational! See more Fr. Steven Aug 29, 2026 I took a parish group to the movie theater to see American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story. It was very inspirational, and many parishioners said it deeply moved them and deepened their faith. I would highly recommend seeing this movie. See more Christina Aug 28, 2026 Excellent documentary. Delivers the message of God's love. See more Marisa Aug 28, 2026 As an Oklahoman this movie was exactly what my soul needed. I appreciate this movie in so many levels! I was a witness of his faith through this beautifully made movie. See more Scott Aug 28, 2026 Well made narrated very well real life videos and pictures story from beginning to end See more Carlos Aug 28, 2026 Great documentary, Glad to now know the story. See more Read all reviews
American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story

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Cast & Crew

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Derek Watson

Director

Martin Sheen

Narrator

Stanley Rother

Self

Michael Scaperlanda

Self

Rebekah Scaperlanda

Self

Derek Watson

Producer
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American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story

American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story: Fathom Entertainment Trailer American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story: Fathom Entertainment Trailer 0:40 Now Playing View more videos
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American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story

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Movie Info

Synopsis "American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story," a feature-length documentary narrated by acclaimed actor Martin Sheen, tells the true story of an American priest who was murdered for refusing to abandon his people. Born on an Oklahoma farm, Father Stanley Rother left to serve the Indigenous Tz'utujil people of Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, during the country's brutal civil war. Immersing himself in the life of the community, he learned their language, shared their suffering, helped translate the New Testament into Tz'utujil and became a beloved spiritual father to the people he served. As violence and persecution closed in, Father Stan became convinced that "the shepherd cannot run," and he returned to Guatemala from the U.S. knowing it could cost him his life. Only months later, masked gunmen broke into his rectory and murdered him. "American Martyr" reveals the witness of Blessed Stanley, whose courage, sacrificial love and unwavering faith continue to inspire audiences around the world.
Director
Derek Watson
Producer
Derek Watson
Distributor
Fathom Entertainment
Genre
Documentary, Biography, Faith & Spirituality
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 25, 2026, Limited
Runtime
2h 3m
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