February 3, 2003

"THE LEAST OF THESE" WINS CINE GOLDEN EAGLE

Date: 03 February 2003
CINE: www.cine.org
Filmmaker Contact: Rik Swartzwelder/863-602-5796, www.oldfashionedpictures.com
Press Photos for Download: www.oldfashionedpictures.com/the_least_of_these.html

Award-winning filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder and his 35mm short film, The Least of These, were recently distinguished with a prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award. Founded in 1957 by a consortium representing business, education, and government to depict American life and thought realistically for a global audience, CINE continues to recognize and foster the highest quality of non-theatrical film and video production through its semi-annual competitions. The Least of These received the CINE Golden Eagle in the professional division category (entertainment/drama). In addition, Swartzwelder and his film will be in contention for a CINE Special Jury Award and a CINE Masters Series Award at the 44th Annual CINE Golden Eagle Awards ceremony on Thursday, February 27, 2003, in Washington, DC. Attending honorees also include Sheila Nevins, executive vice-president of original programming at HBO, and celebrated documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

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Based on a true story by internationally known speaker and sociologist Tony Campolo, The Least of These has already garnered 8 awards and 23 "official selection" screenings during its seven short months on the film festival circuit. 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 BREATH OF FRESH AIR...THE START OF
SOMETHING VERY SIGNIFICANT"
- Jeffrey Travis, Hope Arts Center/Project Seven

"ENGAGING"
- Desson Howe, The Washington Post

"SLICKLY PRODUCED DRAMA"
- Frank Gabrenya, The Columbus Dispatch

"UPLIFTING"
- Stevi Calandra, The Discovery Channel

"A WONDERFUL STORY!"
- Jane Rulon, Director, Indiana Film Commission

"AMBITIOUSLY MOODY"
- Jorge Bernardo, All About Film

"EXCEPTIONAL"
- John Axelrad, Editor, "Hack" (CBS)

"AN IMPORTANT FILM"
- Ryan McReynolds, University of Colorado

"GENUINELY TOUCHING"
- Matthew Borlik, Washington City Paper