July 5, 2004

TONY & AGNES & THE POWER OF A GOOD STORY

Filmmaker Contact: Rik Swartzwelder/818-823-3489, www.oldfashionedpictures.com
Press Photos for Download: www.oldfashionedpictures.com/the_least_of_these.html

Sociologist and educator Dr. Anthony Campolo is featured in an exclusive interview, “Tony & Agnes & the Power of a Good Story,” on the newly released DVD of the award-winning short film “The Least of These.” Campolo’s “Agnes Story” served as the inspiration for the short film and his interview reveals multiple surprises from the true-life story at which the film only hints. Also, with his trademark humor and candor, Campolo shares his perspective on the power of stories to shape culture and his thoughts as to why his “Agnes Story” continues to resonate so deeply with people.

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“The Least of These” is one of the most acclaimed short films in years. Written and directed by Rik Swartzwelder, this beautiful and haunting glance into a ragged landscape of “strong coffee, greasy spoons, and America’s leftovers” won 27 film festival awards and was an official selection at more than 55 festivals worldwide. Filmed at the historic Tastee Diner near Baltimore, Maryland, the atmospheric, character-driven film tells the story of how the fading, isolated life of a diner owner and the dull routine of his late night crowd are forever changed by the unusual proposition of a stranger.

The widescreen collector’s edition DVD of “The Least of These” contains over an hour of special features and bonus materials, in addition to a digitally re-mastered version (from the original 35mm print) of the award-winning 20-minute film. For additional information on “The Least of These,” the DVD release, Rik Swartzwelder, or Old Fashioned Pictures, please visit: www.oldfashionedpictures.com.

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A graduate of The Florida State University’s Graduate Motion Picture Conservatory, Rik Swartzwelder is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has screened at over 100 film festivals, internationally, and garnered over 40 major awards—including the “Student Emmy” for his highly acclaimed master’s thesis film, “Paul McCall,” and the Crystal Heart Award from the Heartland Film Festival for his multiple award-winning 35mm short, “The Least of These.” Rik has also sold two feature scripts, one treatment, and is currently prepping to direct his first feature.

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