City of Refuge to be Featured in New Documentary
Atlanta, GA– The faith-based City of Refuge, a non-profit outreach founded by Rev. Bruce Deel in Atlanta, Georgia, will be the focus of a documentary, ‘The Greatest of These,’ to be released this Friday, March 17 on Amazon Prime, AppleTV, and Documentary+.
The film highlights the City of Refuge’s mission to transform the lives of individuals and communities in Atlanta and beyond. Directed by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Nick Nanton and produced by Emmy Award winner Katie Tschopp, the 75-minute film tells the remarkable story of Deel and his family. A pastor and Church of God credentialed minister, Deel moved his family to live in one of the most dangerous areas in Atlanta to create a special haven helping families transition out of crisis toward stability and opportunity. The film chronicles the mission of City of Refuge, which serves individuals facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances, including addiction, trafficking, incarceration, and homelessness. Through an innovative approach grounded in dignity and trust, the organization offers pathways toward healing, stability, and long-term transformation.
“For nearly three decades, our mission at City of Refuge has been simple: love the person in front of you and help them see the possibility in their own future,” Deel said. “If this film helps more people understand that transformation begins with dignity and trust, then it has already done something meaningful.”
Founded in 1997, City of Refuge has become a hub of hope in one of the most dangerous zip codes in Atlanta. Operating from a repurposed warehouse in the city’s 30314 neighborhood, the organization has served more than 50,000 individuals, providing comprehensive services including housing, workforce development, youth programs, education, healthcare, and anti-trafficking initiatives.
Director Nick Nanton says the story stood out as an urgent reminder of what compassionate leadership can achieve.
“At a time when social divides can feel overwhelming, the work happening at City of Refuge is a powerful testament to human dignity and radical hope,” said Nanton. “Bruce’s philosophy of trusting first and restoring dignity challenges conventional models and shows how transformation truly happens through relationships and community.”
Produced by Abundance Studios and DNA Films, The Greatest of These combines intimate storytelling with a broader look at the social issues facing vulnerable communities today. The documentary follows individuals who have found healing and opportunity through the City of Refuge network, illustrating the real impact of compassion-driven support systems. Producer Katie Tschopp notes that the film’s emotional core comes from the people whose lives have been transformed.
“These stories remind us that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight,” said Tschopp. “It happens when people feel seen, believed in, and supported over time.” With its release on TVOD, the film aims to expand awareness of the City of Refuge mission and inspire viewers to engage with solutions that prioritize dignity, restoration, and community support.
To view a trailer for the film, please click here..
For more information on The Greatest of These and City of Refuge, visit www.cityofrefugeatl.org. Social Media: Facebook: cityofrefugeatl Instagram: cityofrefugeatl.
About Abundance Studios: Abundance Studios is a collective of entrepreneurs, professionals, and philanthropists dedicated to creating and sharing media to foster a world of enlightened thinking and abundant action. With a mission to bring access and opportunity to people, Director Nick Nanton started Abundance Studios as a way to produce‘ Films For Good.
About DNA Films: DNA Films is a documentary production company specializing in premium long-form nonfiction story telling. For more than 15 years, the company has developed and produced documentaries centered on compelling human stories and impactful individuals whose work is shaping culture, communities, and conversations around the world.
