July 5, 2004

TAKE HOME "THE LEAST OF THESE" TODAY

Now available on DVD & VHS!

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

For the first time since becoming the sleeper hit of the film festival circuit, Rik Swartzwelder’s “The Least of These” is now available on DVD & VHS.

One of the most acclaimed short films in years, 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.

In addition to a digitally re-mastered version (from the original 35mm print) of “The Least of These,” the collector’s edition DVD contains over an hour of special features and bonus materials—including an interview with Tony Campolo, the author of “The Agnes Story” (the short story upon which “The Least of These” is based), audio commentary with the director and sound designer, a “Behind-the-Scenes” documentary, outtakes, screen tests, teaser trailer, theatrical trailer, subtitles (English) and more! For additional information on “The Least of These” or Old Fashioned Pictures, please visit: www.oldfashionedpictures.com.

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Based on a true story by internationally known speaker and sociologist Tony Campolo, “The Least of These” was 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.

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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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