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.