Tolton Short Film Finds Distribution

Across, the short film about the boyhood of Venerable Augustine Tolton during the Civil War, has been picked up for distribution by the HistoryFix Channel.

Menu page from the HistoryFix website, featuring “Across.”

“I found Across through a historian friend who actually appears as a Confederate soldier in the film,” said William Eichler, President of HistoryFix. “I loved Father Tolton’s story, but especially how it was presented in this outstanding production.”

Tolton was the first African American Catholic priest, and is on track to also become the first African American saint. His canonization process is well underway in the Vatican. Across is currently in development to be turned into a full 2-hour theatrical film.

To watch this film - and many other historical dramas and documentaries - you can go to HistoryFix.com and subscribe for a small monthly fee.

"Across" Film & Music To Headline Franklin, TN Event

The short film about Venerable Augustine Tolton will highlight a night of film and music near Nashville this Wednesday. “Across” dramatizes the true story of a 9-year-old boy who attempts to escape slavery in Missouri during the Civil War. It’s the first part of a feature film in development with Bolder Pictures. Tolton was first black priest in the United States, and is a candidate to become the first African-American canonized saint.

The event will be held at Hyatt House in Franklin, just south of Nashville, Tennessee at 6:00pm on April 6. Hosted by Franklin International Independent Film Festival, the “Movie Night” is the 2nd in a series of monthly events leading up to FIIFF’s festival this fall. Mary Beth Anthony, who wrote and recorded the film’s theme song will perform before the screening. Two other short films from local producers will also be shown. The event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to RSVP on the Facebook Event Page.

Mary Beth Anthony

Tolton Film Available for Home Viewing

Venerable Augustine Tolton is quickly becoming an American icon as his story becomes more and more well known. Part of that is due to a short film that dramatizes his childhood as a slave in 1863. That production, Across, has already screened at a number of film festivals and many church events around the country. Now, it is available for everyone to rent and watch at home.

“Word had gotten out about our film, and I would get requests to screen it every week at churches, schools, and civic events - and once even a retirement home for priests,” says Writer/Director Christopher Foley. “But with the Covid restrictions, most of those events have had to be cancelled. We wanted to reach out to all of those people, and maybe a few who know nothing about America’s first black priest.”

Across can be found on the Vimeo platform. Signing up for an account is free, and the rental is $2.99. It can be streamed to televisions via Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Firestick, Roku or Android. Foley said the film is appropriate for audiences 13 and up. All proceeds go toward the making of the full feature film about Tolton’s life, which Bolder Pictures hopes to put before cameras later this year.

Father Tolton was born on April 1, 1854, and the producers chose his birthday for the “home premiere” of the film. The hero of the story is being considered for sainthood by the Catholic Church, with Pope Francis naming him Venerable in 2019. That distinction means Tolton is only 2 steps away from becoming the very first African American Saint.

Tolton Film and Presentation ONLINE For First Time

Across, the short film about the boyhood of Venerable Augustine Tolton, America’s first black priest, is available to watch online for the first time. The extremely limited engagement is part of an online conference with Writer/Director Christopher Foley and Bishop Joseph Perry, the postulator for Tolton’s sainthood cause.

The Zoom event is hosted by the Diocese of Harrisburg, and begins at 6:30pm Eastern on Friday July 31. To participate, you will need to register online at this link. Capacity is limited, so interested parties should act now.

Registered participants will be given a link to watch the film and another link to the Zoom event, where they will hear a historic presentation about Father Tolton. Foley and Bishop Perry will also be joined by Harrisburg Bishop Ronald Gainer.

Both Foley and Perry continue to work on the Tolton cause. The Bishop leads the effort to have Father Tolton canonized - having successfully done the historical documentation that led to his being declared Venerable last year. Foley has raised some funds for the short film to be turned into a feature, and is in the process of attaching a recognized actor in order to raise the rest.

Across Supporter Seeks Father Tolton Miracle

An anonymous benefactor of the film about Venerable Augustine Tolton is seeking a miracle this Christmas season.  On a number of occasions, “Peter” (not his real name) has worked behind the scenes on Across, the short film - and developing feature film – about the first black priest in the United States.  But, as zealous as Peter is about film, his first passion is the health and happiness of his family.  Unfortunately, his son “Charley” (also a pseudonym) has long suffered from a debilitating disease.

Director Christopher Foley and Bishop Perry on EWTN Live, December 18.

Due to his association with the film, Peter was intimately familiar with the Tolton story.  But, it wasn’t until he saw the recent EWTN interview with Bishop Perry and Director Christopher Foley that he decided to turn to the intercession of the man who will likely be the first African American canonized saint.

“I happened to be in the parking lot of the place where I had a meeting last year about Across,” said Peter.  “I was waiting there for another meeting, and finally had a moment to watch the EWTN piece on my phone.  I am still processing all this, but – when I saw the interview – it just all connected together in one moment.  I was inspired to pray to Father Tolton for a healing for Charley.”

Venerable Augustine Tolton (1854-1897)

Peter and his wife are starting a special novena to Venerable Augustine TODAY, Christmas, 2019 until January 2nd.  Each day, they will pray the official Father Tolton prayer, written by Bishop Joseph Perry, the auxiliary bishop of Chicago who heads the canonization process for Tolton.  In Catholic tradition, a novena (Latin for “nine”) of prayers has special power.  Often associated with the nine months of the Blessed Virgin’s pregnancy or the nine days of prayer between the Ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Ghost, novena prayers take a myriad of shapes and forms.   Some of the early Church Fathers associated the number nine as symbolic of the imperfection of man.  Nine gets as close to God, symbolized by a perfect ten, as possible… asking Him to take our prayer the final distance.

“I’ve met Charley a number of times,” said Foley.  “He is probably the nicest kid I’ve ever talked with.  He never complains about his condition, and always carries a big smile on his face.  If there is anyone deserving of a miracle, it’s Charley.  I hope all the supporters of Across can join me in this very special prayer to Father Tolton.”

Crutches and canes left behind at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, WI - a place of many miraculous cures due to intercessory prayer.

Foley explained that he especially hopes non-Catholics can join in the prayer to Venerable Augustine.  “When Catholics ask for the intercession of holy people who have died, all we are asking is the same we would ask of friends and family still with us.  We are saying, ‘Father Tolton, since you are so close to Our Lord, could you please pray for Charley?’  How is that any different than asking, ‘Aunt Betty, could you please pray for Charley?’”

Peter asked to remain anonymous for this article because Charley does not like to draw attention to himself: “He’s a very private young man, and would rather talk about sports headlines than his health issues.”

A number of miracles have already been attributed to the intercession of “Father Gus,” including two that have been submitted to scrutiny at the Vatican.  In order to be raised from “Venerable” to Saint, at least two healings must be found to have no natural cause.

Click here for the text of the official Venerable Augustine Tolton prayer.

ACROSS to air on EWTN Global Catholic Television Dec 18

Across: The Father Tolton Movie tells the inspiring true story of America’s first African American Catholic priest, a slave destined for sanctity

NASHVILLE, December 4, 2019 - ACROSS: The Father Tolton Movie is the true and inspiring short film that brings to life the untold story of Fr. Augustine Tolton, an African American slave turned Roman Catholic priest. ACROSS will air on EWTN Television on December 18, 2019 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

ACROSS was written and directed by Nashville filmmaker Christopher Foley, and takes audiences back to Tolton’s boyhood in Missouri in 1863. It’s the dramatic tale of his attempt to escape slavery with his family during the chaos of the Civil War. The 36-minute film is the basis for a full feature-length movie that Foley plans to shoot next summer.

Just prior to the global airing of ACROSS on EWTN Television, Foley and Bishop Joseph Perry will appear on EWTN Live at 8:00 p.m. ET with host Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ. They will share behind the scenes details about the making of the short film ACROSS as well as the relevance that Father Tolton has today. They will also elaborate on plans for the feature film.

Jaylon Gordon as a young Gus Tolton

“When I first heard the details of Tolton’s life from Bishop Perry, I knew it was as film I had to make,” said Christopher Foley, ACROSS writer, director and producer. “Today, I see my country torn by racial strife and my church burned by scandal. Now is the time to promote the story of a man whose example shows us how to deal with these exact issues. Speaking across 150 years of time, Father Gus prays us to meet hatred head-on…with patience, strength and love.”

“Father Tolton shows us Christians how to get through to the Kingdom, surviving the apparent contradictions of life with our faith, hope and love intact,” said Perry, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago and postulator for Venerable Augustine Tolton’s sainthood cause. “The unfinished business of racial reconciliation in America is inspired by Father Tolton’s sense of openness to walk amidst and serve both black and white at a time, post Civil War-Reconstruction, socially not yet ripe for interaction between the races. He was ahead of his time in leading both black and white under the roof of his Church while being resented for it by pockets of Church and society of his time.”

Although the short film is about Tolton’s childhood, Shawn Whitsell plays an adult Tolton in a brief flash-forward scene.

“This has been a labor of love for our production team and we cannot wait for the world to see the boyhood story of one of America’s unknown heroes, Father Augustine Tolton,” said Foley.

For interviews with Christopher Foley and Bishop Joseph Perry, please contact Alexis Walkenstein at WalkensteinA@gmail.com or 561-445-5409. For more information about ACROSS, visit AcrossMovie.com

SYNOPSIS:

Based on an incredible true story, the short film ACROSS brings to life a pivotal moment in the boyhood of Father Augustine Tolton, the first African American priest. “Gus,” a 10-year-old Missouri field slave, is devastated when his father flees the plantation to go fight for the Union in the Civil War. With the brutal overseer George watching his every move, Gus tries to convince his mother to take the rest of the family on the dangerous journey north. To achieve his freedom, Gus, along with his mother, brother and an infant sister, must not only outrun George and the slave-catchers, but also avoid Confederate soldiers, eager to collect the lucrative bounty. Most dauntingly of all, the mighty Mississippi River stands between Gus and free land in Illinois.

###

Alexis Walkenstein

President

AWE, Inc.

561-445-5409

@walkenstein

LexiCaliBlog.com

Tolton Feature Film Production Takes Big Leap Forward

NASHVILLE, TN - The proposed feature film about the life of America’s first black priest is making huge strides in the development stage of production. Based on the life of Father Augustine Tolton and a short film and screenplay by Christopher Foley, Across will tell a tale of slavery, abuse, perseverance and sanctity. “Father Gus” (1854-1897) is on track to become the first African American Canonized Saint after Pope Francis declared him “Venerable” earlier this year.

With an eye on filming this coming summer, Foley added to his production team with producers Jalene Mack (Canal Street,) and Jerri Moore (Bull, Land of Leopold.) “I truly love the Across project and am really proud of Chris and the work he has done thus far,” said Moore. “I am very excited about this team and this journey.”

The film successfully completed a crowd-investing campaign in August, raising over $100,000. That money is expected to be used largely as a down-payment to bring acting talent aboard. Foley said he expects the total film budget to be approximately $6 million.

The project has gotten a letter of interest from NBC Universal to distribute the indy film when it is completed. “Universal sees the universal appeal - pun intended - of Tolton’s story,” said Foley. “They see that he was a ground-breaker in the pre-history of the Civil Rights movement. As soon as we find the right actor for the film, we think we’ll complete our agreement with them and bring on the final investors.”

Since the team is seeking private investors now, they hope a placement on national TV this December may help them find the right fit. Foley - along with Bishop Joseph Perry, who is in charge of Tolton’s sainthood process - will appear on EWTN Live on December 18. They’ll talk about Venerable Augustine and the proposed feature, but also show the entire 36 minute short film - which acts as a proof of concept for the full feature. “We loved the production value and emotional pull of the short film,” said John Elson of EWTN. “Chris and the Bishop will be able to tell the world more about Father Tolton when they talk to Father Mitch Pacwa at our studios.”

The production also received a boost by bringing on Alexis Walkenstein (Unplanned, For Greater Glory) to help with the marketing campaign and Auric Steele (Malevolence, Beneath the Leaves) as production attorney.

To catch the short film on EWTN, check your local listings for December 18 here. To keep up to date on the progress of the production, LIKE the official facebook page here.

Series of Screenings Push New Tolton Film Forward

A number of screenings of the Father Augustine Tolton short film, Across, have brought fresh interest to the project. Writer/Director Christopher Foley traveled to Birmingham, Louisville, Indianapolis and Tolton’s home-town of Quincy, Illinois to show the movie and share the full story of the first African American Catholic priest. All of the screenings were well-attended, with Quincy having to expand to four start-times to accommodate everyone. Local news coverage brought additional attention to the events.

The showings coincided with the final week of the Crowd-Investing initiative that the filmmakers set-up to obtain the development money for the feature film. With the interest gained at the events, the $107,000 goal was surpassed well before the August 15 deadline. Foley said that the next stage for the production is to attach a well-known actor to the project before raising the rest of the film’s budget.

“It was wonderful to meet so many people who were eager to hear Father Tolton’s story,” said Foley. “It gave us all a little hint of how big of an impact the full movie will have.” Each screening of the 36-minute short film was followed by a historical presentation about Tolton’s life and the process to have him canonized a saint by the Vatican.

In June, Pope Francis raised the priest - who lived from 1854 to 1897 - to ‘Venerable,’ which is just two steps from sainthood. That publicity led EWTN to obtain the rights to broadcast the short film on December 18, along with a live interview with Foley and the postulator for Tolton’s canonization, Bishop Joseph Perry.

The Quincy screening was especially important to Foley because it was where Tolton spent most of his life. Additionally, Foley’s college roommate, Father Joseph Portzer is the new pastor of St.Rose parish, where the showing was held. Foley told the crowd that there was still much work to do to finish the feature film, but felt they had a tremendous start. “If God wants this film to move forward, as it seems He does, “ said Portzer, “each obstacle will yield to prayer and work.”

EWTN to Host World Broadcast Premiere of Tolton Short Film

Across, the short film about the boyhood of Venerable Augustine Tolton will make its television premiere on December 18 on EWTN. As the largest religious media network in the world, EWTN claims a reach of a quarter-billion people in 140 countries. The premiere will be preceded by a special episode of EWTN Live with Father Mitch Pacwa. The show will feature an interview with the film’s director, Christopher Foley, and Bishop Joseph Perry, the postulator for the sainthood of Father Tolton.

“We are delighted and honored to share our film with the world through EWTN,” said Foley. “We are in the process of turning our short into a full feature film, and bringing attention to Venerable Father Tolton’s story is a key to making that a reality. He is a true American hero, and the world needs to hear his story. I’m looking forward to the evening very much!”

Father Tolton was the first black priest in America, and the short film tells the story of his boyhood attempt to escape slavery during the Civil War. In June, Father Tolton was named Venerable by Pope Francis, a key step toward sainthood. The title is a statement by the Catholic Church that Tolton possessed “heroic virtue” and that the faithful are encouraged to pray for his intercession.

To see a trailer for the short film, visit www.AcrossMovie.com/trailer

To keep updated on the progress of the film, click LIKE on the official Across Facebook Page.

Tolton Film Reaches Investment Milestone

NASHVILLE, TN - Across: The Father Tolton Movie has raised over $100,000 in their unique crowd-investing initiative. Based on the life of America’s first black priest and a short film by Director Christopher Foley, the project now has to momentum to go into production in the coming months, and possibly make it to theaters by late 2020.

Bolstered by the news that Father Tolton has been named Venerable by Pope Francis - a step just short of canonization to sainthood - the fund saw accelerated growth in recent weeks. The crowd-investing strategy is the brain-child of Faith Film Fund director Jon Graham, who bested his $80,803 fund for another faith-based film, Kind Katie. “We’re ecstatic,” he said. “It’s a testament to a public hungry for great films that reflect their values.” Unlike traditional crowd-funding initiatives, investors in Across actually own a share of the profits through the SEC-approved company, TruCrowd.

Foley is confident that fund will reach its maximum of $107,000 before the August 15 closing. “We have so much going on - screenings, meetings with studios, and growth on social media,” said Foley, “that we are popping the champagne already. We feel like we will be able to attach a known actor to the project now, and raise the remainder of the budget from traditional film financing sources. The first money is always the hardest to raise.” Across will likely be budgeted at somewhere between $5 and $10 million when it goes into production.

The rise from a low-budget short film to a feature is a hard path toward what many see as the closed doors of Hollywood. The fact that Across is on the brink has inspired all who have participated. Nina Hibbler-Webster, who plays Tolton’s mother in the short film, was animated as she talked about the film and its momentum in a recent interview. “You can just see in this story that anything is possible. I don’t think that God allows us to imagine things and then not allow them to be possible.”

For more information on the the film, and Father Tolton, the hero who inspired it, please click like on the official facebook page.

Vatican Declaration Gives New Momentum to Tolton Film

Pope Francis’ declaration that Father Augustine Tolton is “Venerable” has created a spark of interest about the film Across. The movie about Tolton is being developed by Bolder Pictures from a screenplay and a short film by Christopher Foley.

“I had spoken to Bishop Perry recently, and we had good hope that this was in the works,” said Foley about the auxiliary bishop of Chicago who is spearheading Tolton’s sainthood process. “But, I was still surprised and overjoyed at how soon it happened.”

Father Tolton was the first black priest in America, and now there is great anticipation that he will be the first African American saint. The title “Venerable” is only 2 steps away from full canonization.

Foley says his project - which is currently seeking micro-investors - got a strong uptick in interest on social media and via email since the news about Tolton broke. “We’re excited at the timing because of our TruCrowd campaign at FaithFilmFund. We have a chance to be the Catholic version of The Chosen, which raised $10 million from crowd investing. This will help spread the word about this amazing American hero, and give people a chance to invest in the film for as little as $100.”

The short film - which focused on Tolton’s attempt to escape slavery during the Civil War - has laureled at several film festivals, and is now available for private screenings at churches. For more information about investing, go to this site. To contact the production team about screening the short film with a presentation about Tolton’s life, fill out the form on the movie’s site here.

Shawn Whitsell next to a photo of the man he portrays, Father Tolton, in the short film, Across.

Father Tolton Film Chosen to Launch Crowd Investing Site

NASHVILLE, TN - Across, the film about the life of America’s first black priest, has been chosen by FaithFilmFund to be the pilot project for it’s new crowd-investing consulting service in conjunction with TruCrowd.com. The movie project began as a short film, and now is being developed as a two-hour feature. Set in the late 19th century, it’s the story of Father Augustine Tolton. The Catholic priest was a courageous figure in the pre-history of the Civil Rights movement and now is being considered for sainthood in the Vatican.

Writer/Producer Christopher Foley oversaw the production of the short film and now is working with producers Joan Tankersley, Princella Smith, and Jon Graham to get the feature in front of cameras and into theaters. “Father Tolton lived a flat-out incredible American adventure,” said Foley. “You don’t need to have an interest in period dramas, civil rights history or Christian film to get on board with Father Gus. You just need to like great stories.”

FaithFilmFund was started by Graham in order to meld the huge surge in faith-based movies with the crowd-funding phenomena. But, he says, there is something unique about his company. “We have partnered with an SEC approved portal for investments, so it’s not like the crowd-funding you are used to. Technically, we facilitate the ‘equity crowd funding’ process - what we like to call ‘crowd-investing,’” said Graham. “For as little as $100, you actually can participate in the revenue from the film.”

Most crowd-funded projects are based on donations, but FaithFilmFund, working in conjunction with TruCrowd, actually sets up their funds under guidelines from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the initial development fund for Across is only a small portion of the film’s budget, their site lays out their planned path to production and a theatrical release.

The crowd-investing fund is only part of their strategy to success in independent movie making. While courting the public, the producers are also pitching to big-name film producers in several genres. Tankersley is currently at the Cannes Film Market, putting the project in front of an array of Hollywood’s movers and shakers. “As a narrative, Across has both an American foundation, but a global appeal,” said Tankersley. “The script provides some surprises, but it remains a crucial, untold storyline of great faith and great sacrifice woven into the landscape of America.  I love this story.”

Story is still king in the industry. So, telling the tale of a runaway slave from Missouri, who ends up being ordained in Rome, is bound to draw interest. Producer Princella Smith joined the project after a presentation at another filmmaker gathering, FilmCom, last year. “As a black American, it is so exciting to learn about unsung heroes from the past, because it gives us so much hope for our future,” she said. “Father Tolton is one hero that our kids can point to and see that talent is more than dribbling a basketball or running a football.”

Crowd Investing is a new concept - only put into effect in 2016 as part of the JOBS act. Many types of start-up businesses are taking advantage. However, the only known faith-based films to try it are VidAngel’s The Chosen, a series about the life of Christ - and Graham’s own Kind Katie. Graham successfully raised over $80,000 of his development budget while VidAngel’s campaign has raised a whopping $10.2 million in the first phase alone.

The Across team knows there is a long way to go until their movie makes it to your local multiplex, but they are confident that the Crowd Investing strategy will raise both interest and funds. “America’s love for the movies is not just about watching them,” said Foley. “We love the stars, the soundtracks, the awards, the locations. And having an actual stake in the game with this fund - it’s a little like being a co-producer.” To read more about the fund - or to invest - look for the link at www.AcrossMovie.com, www.FaithFilmfund.net or www.TruCrowd.com.

Shawn Whitsell as Augustine Tolton in the short film, Across

Tolton Film Gets a Seat at the Cannes Table

Across: The Father Tolton Movie is being represented at the world’s most prestigious film market - Cannes. The ten-day event - run in conjunction with the famous Cannes Film Festival - brings together filmmakers and distributors from all over the globe. Joan Tankersley will be pitching the feature film project - based on the completed short film of the same name - as part of her slate of projects for Five Key Collective.

“The good news for Across is that it has a global audience appeal. I love this story and Chris knows his craft,” Tankersley said, speaking about Screenwriter Christopher Foley. “The pacing of the script is really good too, and, in this kind of emotional work, that is so crucial.”

The movie project, which tells the story of America’s first black priest, has gained momentum as of late due to several film festival laurels and a keen interest from African Americans and Catholics. Augustine Tolton, who died in 1897, was an obscure figure in the pre-history of the Civil Rights movement, until his cause for sainthood was introduced in the Vatican several years ago. As that process gains momentum, so has the development of the feature film.

“I’m so excited to be able to share the project at Cannes,” said Foley. “Father Gus’ story - although uniquely American - is one that will be loved by audiences all across the world. Joan and I are confident that there will be interest from numerous quarters of the film industry.”

The movie’s official Facebook page has been a good source of information on the development of the project. Across also recently launched an Instagram and Twitter page as well to keep up with the growing interest.

Catholic News Service Covers New Tolton Film

Robert Alan Glover’s dual articles about Across: The Father Tolton Movie, were picked up by for national syndicated publication by Catholic News Service. The articles, originally written for the Tennessee Register, became a hot talking point as Black History Month drew to a close.

Below are links to the two articles.

February 13 Article

February 28 Article

'Across' Director Wins Pitch Award

Director Christopher Foley took home first prize for his pitch about feature film Across: The Father Tolton Movie at the annual Tennessee Women in Film and Media event.

This year, TWIFM wanted to showcase local filmmakers by letting them present their projects to a panel of industry experts. Producer/Director Lisa Arnold (God’s Not Dead,”) Steve Hayes of APM/Universal, and Mike Stryker of Casting Life Productions joined entertainment attorneys Corky Kessler and Angela Green as judges.

“Christopher’s pitch was the most clear and the most developed, and we think Across has a bright future,” said Arnold when announcing the panel’s decision.

Foley was given a cash prize courtesy of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County as well as a voucher for $1000 of legal services with Kessler’s firm.

Lisa Arnold announces TWIFM’s pitch winner, Christopher Foley

Two Special 'Across' Screenings Grace Nashville

Across, the short film about the boyhood of America’s first black priest, Father Augustine Tolton, was shown at two very special recent events. The first screening was on the campus of the Nashville Dominican Sisters, and included guest-of-honor Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago. The bishop is the postulator for Tolton’s sainthood cause, and flew to Nashville to see the film and speak to the nuns and their guests. Along with Writer/Director Christopher Foley, he took questions from the audience after the film and talk.

Perry was able to share for the first time publicly, the news that Father Tolton’s cause had taken the next step toward sainthood earlier in the week. The commission in Rome to study his life had unanimously approved the case to be sent to Pope Francis. This sets up the high likelihood that Tolton will be named ‘Venerable’ later this year.

The day was also notable for a ‘Communion of Saints’ connection that was made by one of the Sisters in attendance. She noted that, in the late 19th century, the same bishop who had invited Tolton to Chicago had previously been the bishop of Nashville. In fact, it was that same Bishop Patrick Feehan who had twice saved the Nashville Dominicans from bankruptcy AND had sponsored the building of the very room where the screening was being held. Now called “the Oratory,” the room used to be the nuns’ chapel and one of the stained glass windows was inscribed with Bishop Feehan’s name.

In a separate event, the film was shown at the Catholic Pastoral Center, the headquarters for the Nashville Diocese. Joan Watson, Director of Adult Formation, organized and hosted the event. Foley, along with lead actress Nina Hibbler-Webster and Deacon William Hill spoke to the audience and fielded questions. Hill presented a history of black Catholics in Middle Tennessee while Foley and Hibbler-Webster talked about the making of the film and the life of Augustine Tolton and his mother. Foley also updated the audiences about the progress of turning the short film into a full feature film about Tolton.

Both screenings were kicked off by a live performance of the film’s theme song, “North Star,” by Mary Beth Anthony. Not only did she write and produce the record for the film, but she also co-produced the movie itself with her husband Christopher Foley.

The events were well-attended by movie-lovers, history buffs, and faithful looking to learn more about an unsung hero in the pre-history of the Civil Rights movement.

Please scroll down for some images from the events.

World Christian Broadcasting Features 'Across' Interview

Christian World Broadcasting recently conducted an interview with Across Writer/Director Christopher Foley. CWB is an international evangelical station that uses shortwave radio to reach almost the entire world by means of their towers in Alaska and Madagascar. Paul Ladd, Director at the station, found out about the project through Shawn Whitsell, one of the actors in the short film.

Across is the story of the boyhood of Father Augustine Tolton, the first black priest in America. Foley is now in the process of seeking investors to turn the short film into a 2-hour feature. To hear the segment, click on the link to Bolder Pictures youtube page, where it has been re-published with permission from CWB.

Diocese of Nashville to Host Special Screening of 'Across'

Across, the short film about the boyhood of America’s first black priest, will be shown to the public at Nashville’s Catholic Pastoral Center on February 17. Admission is FREE. The screening, which begins at 2pm, is part of the diocese’s commemoration of Black History Month, and will feature a discussion panel following the film. Deacon William Hill, an expert on the history of Catholicism in the black community of Middle Tennessee, will be joined on the panel by the movie’s director, Christopher Foley. and lead actress, Nina Hibbler-Webster.

Joan Watson, the event’s organizer, feels that the story of Father Tolton - who suffered persecution for both his race and his religion - is a beacon in the long Civil Rights struggle in America. In Rome, Tolton’s cause for sainthood has advanced through the first few stages. There is a strong possibility that he will be named ‘Venerable’ this calendar year.

Across has already picked up a number of laurels at film festivals. It was filmed in the Nashville area, and features a talented cast, headlined by Hibber-Webster as Martha Tolton and Jaylon Gordon as young Gus Tolton.

Guests are encourage to RSVP on the facebook event page.

Across to Close Out Tennessee's Franklin Fest November 4th

The short film Across will be shown at the Franklin International Independent Film Festival on Sunday, November 4th at 3pm. The screening is part of the closing block of shorts for FIIFF, the burgeoning cinema event which takes place 20 minutes south of Nashville.

The movie, which tells the story of the childhood of America’s first black priest, was produced in Middle Tennessee, and locals will recognize a number of historic landmarks. “Technically, this is our Tennessee premiere,” said director Christopher Foley. “Although we had a private event for the filmmakers earlier this year, this is the first time we have shown the project to the public here in Nashville. We are honored to be chosen by Franklin Fest, and we hope to have a great turnout.”

Those interested are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets at FIIFF.org, by clicking on Tickets, selecting Single Film Blocks, and choosing the very last option - SU-1-3 Film Block. You can also share the facebook event page.

Although it is a self-contained 1/2 hour short film, Across is also the first chapter in a proposed feature film about Father Augustine Tolton. Tolton - in addition to being an important figure in the pre-history of the Civil Rights movement - is currently being considered for canonization to sainthood by the Catholic Church.