‘A Christmas in New Hope’ Brings Heartwarming Holiday Story
A Christmas in New Hope, an uplifting holiday film directed by Texas filmmaker Julia Barnett, became available to U.S. audiences starting November 12th on major streaming platforms, including Amazon, iTunes, Google Play and Fandango. Starring Katrina Bowden (30 Rock, The Most Colorful Time of the Year) and Ryan Cooper (Christmas A La Mode, Christmas on Ice), this inspiring story brings together the magic of Christmas, community, and inclusive representation.
In A Christmas in New Hope, we meet Victoria (Bowden), a single mother and aspiring social media influencer, who enters a home improvement contest to save her family’s beloved bungalow from foreclosure before Christmas. Alongside her is her young daughter, Charlie (played by Mia Analise Armstrong), a precocious girl living with Down syndrome who quickly wins the heart of their charming, “Texas-famous” musician neighbor, Gavin (Cooper). As Gavin helps them in their time of need, a heartwarming romance begins to unfold, even as Victoria’s dreams and holiday plans face unexpected twists and turns.
This heartfelt feature is the brainchild of Julia Barnett, who directed and produced her original script, co-written by Kathleen Estes. The production team also includes Texas-based producers Mindy Raymond, Victor Hawks, Malcolm Goodwin, and Vanessa Goodwin, whose combined experience brings both authenticity and charm to the project.
A Seal of Approval from the National Down Syndrome Society
A Christmas in New Hope has earned the endorsement of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), which promoted the film’s theatrical run through its Austin chapter. Charlotte Woodward, NDSS Programs Associate, shared her thoughts after an early screening, saying, “As I watched the film, I noticed really good portrayals of inclusion, such as when the pastor wanted Charlie to be in the Christmas pageant. There was also good representation of other people with disabilities—there were actors with Down syndrome as well as actors in wheelchairs. I was very glad to see disability representation in the film. I liked how the character of Charlie—played by Mia Analise Armstrong—was treated matter-of-factly as one of the main characters who just happens to have Down syndrome.”
About Rolling Reels Productions
Rolling Reels Productions, co-founded by Julia Barnett and Mindy Raymond, is dedicated to telling the stories of marginalized communities through impactful narrative filmmaking.
To learn more about A Christmas in New Hope, visit www.achristmasinnewhope.com.
(SOURCE: EPIC)
