Experience the Magic: Tony Tost’s ‘Americana’ Premieres Nationwide in Theaters on August 22!

Tony Tost’s journey to Hollywood is anything but ordinary. Growing up in Southern Missouri, he didn’t have the typical support system you’d expect in the film industry. His parents worked as custodians at his elementary school. Before discovering his talent for writing, he worked in a pickle factory. “I’m a small-town guy, even though I live in Los Angeles now,” Tost said.

Tost earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Ozarks and later received his MFA from the University of Arkansas. It was there that he met his wife, Leigh, who is from Fort Smith, Arkansas. They have a home in Fayetteville and hope to return to Arkansas full-time once their two teenage sons finish school.

On August 22, 2025, Tost will release his first feature film, “Americana,” which features a talented cast, including Sydney Sweeney and Paul Walter Hauser. The film revolves around a stolen Lakota Native American artifact and the ensuing chase among a group of characters in South Dakota. While this modern western might not fit the usual Hollywood mold, Tost is committed to sharing stories that resonate with audiences outside the coasts.

“I was raised on Clint Eastwood films, country music, and pro wrestling. That’s part of who I am,” Tost explained. He feels that Hollywood often overlooks the stories from parts of America like Missouri and Arkansas. Tost believes his background gives him a unique perspective in storytelling. He aims to connect with those who share similar roots and experiences.

His influences are varied. “Inside me, I have two sides. One drawn to classic westerns, the other to more artistic films,” he says. Despite a childhood devoid of many books, he found his passion for writing during his time at community college. This led him to earn a PhD in poetry from Duke University, after which he briefly considered an academic career but soon realized his true calling lay in film.

Tost’s career so far includes writing for shows like “Longmire” and “The Terror: Infamy,” along with creating the series “Damnation.” His experience in television prepared him for directing his own film. “I wrote ‘Americana’ while working on another project. I knew I wanted to create a modern-day western,” Tost shared.

Producer Alex Saks played a key role in bringing “Americana” to life, and Tost expresses gratitude for her support. The film premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2023, receiving positive feedback from both critics and audiences.

“The premiere felt amazing,” Tost recalled. “I was nervous because I had just fine-tuned the film hours before we screened it. But when I saw the audience laughing and enjoying it, I felt such a wave of relief.”

After spending months writing and editing, he found joy in finally sharing his story with others. The experience reinforced his desire to continue making films. “I want to chase this feeling for the rest of my career,” he said. “Americana” is just the beginning for Tost, whose heart lies in telling stories that reflect his roots and experiences.



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