Tolton: From Slave to Priest
“The Story of a True American Hero.”
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Tolton Movie Trailer 1
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-08-20
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Leonardo Defilippis, Patti Defilippis
- Screenplay & Story
- Leonardo Defilippis
- Original Score
- Tony Manfredonia
- Original Title
- Tolton: From Slave to Priest
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 18m
- Production Studios
- Saint Luke Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Leonardo Defilippis, Patti Defilippis
Leonardo Defilippis, Patti Defilippis
Tony Manfredonia
Randolph Sellars
Eric Bredbenner
Department Leadership Roster
Leonardo Defilippis
Director
Patti Defilippis
Writer
Eric Bredbenner
Producer
Randolph Sellars
Director of Photography
Leonardo Defilippis
Screenplay
Patti Defilippis
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Tolton: From Slave to Priest.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tolton: From Slave to Priest
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Tolton: From Slave to Priest about?
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.
Who directed Tolton: From Slave to Priest?
Tolton: From Slave to Priest was directed by Leonardo Defilippis, Patti Defilippis.
Who stars in Tolton: From Slave to Priest?
The principal cast of Tolton: From Slave to Priest includes Jim R. Coleman, Elissa Lynn Sanders.
When was Tolton: From Slave to Priest released and how long is it?
Tolton: From Slave to Priest was released in the theatrical window with a total runtime of 1h 18m.
Who composed the musical score for Tolton: From Slave to Priest?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Tolton: From Slave to Priest was composed by Tony Manfredonia.