Coming Soon

The Story of a True American Hero

“Oh my, how awesome this film is! It’s superb, really a phenomenon. The story of this holy priest is brought to life for us through a magnificent integration of intelligent script, fine acting, music, set design, and mixed media. Tolton is a work of unique significance for our times.“

~ Michael D. O’Brien, author and artist

“So powerful! …An emotional rollercoaster undergirded with steadfast faith, truth and love.”

~ Suzanne S., NYC, NY

“This needs to be seen by everyone,

not just Catholics, but all people. Such a moving and wonderfully told story.”

~ Erica L., Grand Prairie, TX

“In all my years in Catholic school I never heard this story. I loved the portrayal! It was so real.”

~ Ilona R., Dallas, TX

“Tolton gave me hope for our world, because if he could succeed to such heights in that oppressive environment, anything is possible for those after him.”

~ Norman E., Lima, OH

“This was fabulous, please continue to share his beautiful life story.”

~ Rita L., Dallas, TX

“Tolton was magnificent!

A deeply passionate portrayal, which continues to inspire me to

re-dedicate my life each day to Christ!”

~ Elaine A., San Juan Capistrano, CA

“Seeing Tolton touched my heart and I found myself empathizing so deeply with Augustus Tolton as I watched him face trials that I have faced myself.”

~ Carl R., Westmont, IL

“Tolton stirred every emotion from hatred to sadness to pride to being a descendant of slaves to a Catholic to an American. I really hope to have the courage of Fr. Tolton and continue with my faith journey.”

~ Felicia M., Washington, DC

“Excellent performance.

Helps revive my faith in the Church.“

~ Hyacinth F., Tuskegee Institute, AL

“Absolutely captivating performance!”

~ Julie S., Saint Joseph, MI

Synopsis

Augustus Tolton’s enslaved mother knows there’s only one way to save her family – she has to escape the slave-state of Missouri for freedom in Illinois. Slipping away in the dead of night, with three children in tow, she trudges 20 miles to the vast Mississippi River. In a leaky rowboat, with bullets from angry Confederate soldiers whizzing by her ears, Mama Tolton rows to freedom.

In the face of the shameful prejudice of the Church in America, young Augustus dreams of becoming a Catholic priest. His dream seems hopeless, yet against all odds he perseveres. Finally ordained in Rome, he returns home to serve people of all races as America’s first Black priest.

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 1h 18min

Release Date: TBD

Genre: Drama

Directed and Written By

Leonardo and Patti Defilippis

Produced By

Eric Bredbenner

Why Tolton? Why now?

“We are so divided, and there is so much suspicion, fear and hatred in our culture. Father Tolton embraces Jesus’ words, ‘That they all may be one.’ ” – Leonardo Defilippis, Director of Tolton Movie

Making of the Film

The challenge for the filmed version of this gripping story was to give viewers a front-row seat at the theatrical performance.

The live production of Tolton: From Slave to Priest opened on November 5^th, 2017 at the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago and has since gone on to be performed for more than 75,000 people at 414 performances in 32 states.

Tolton is unique in that it incorporates an entire cast of characters, projected on a screen, who interact with actor Jim Coleman (Tolton) onstage. The soundtrack for the production incorporates the themes of traditional African American Spirituals, performed with passion by Elissa Sanders (Mama Tolton).

The characters on the screen are clearly part of the setting, but are also featured in close-ups, giving a cinematic quality to their conversations with Tolton on the stage. This story of a truly American hero illuminates a dark era of our history, but it also provides a message of hope and encouragement: that the Catholic Church is the church for all people.

Support the Tolton Movie

IT’S UP TO YOU to bring Tolton to audiences everywhere. Now that the film is completed, we are launching a nationwide distribution and marketing campaign, so that you and your friends and family can see it.

This is very expensive! We’re counting on you to send whatever you can. With your support, the Tolton film will help to heal our divided culture. Thank you!

Help us bring Tolton to:

Select Movie Theaters
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Broadcast Channels
DVDs

PLEASE DONATE TODAY!

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Entertaining, inspiring and evangelizing the culture through theater and the media since 1980.

info@toltonmovie.com