Venerable Tolton's Witness Reaches U.S. Movie Theaters
The film adaptation of the stage play about America’s first Black priest opens in select theaters after successful stage runs.
The dramatic film "Tolton: From Slave to Priest," adapted from the live multimedia play by St. Luke Productions, is premiering in select theaters across the United States. Recent screenings in Chicago and Quincy, Illinois, drew strong interest.
The film tells the story of Venerable Augustus Tolton, America’s first Black Catholic priest. It follows him from childhood in slavery in Missouri, through his escape to freedom in Illinois and his education in Quincy, to his ordination in Rome after U.S. seminaries barred him because of race. The drama emphasizes resilience, forgiveness, healing, and unity.
Actor Jim R. Coleman portrays Tolton. Director Leonardo Defilippis has noted the story’s relevance for audiences today.
In its stage form, the production has already been seen by more than 75,000 people across 32 states.