‘Dear Santa’ Documentary About Post Office’s Letter Program Acquired by IFC Films
Dana Nachman directs the holiday film that goes behind the scenes of “Operation Santa”
Brian Welk | September 15, 2020 @ 9:00 AM
Last Updated: September 15, 2020 @ 11:18 AM
IFC Films
Christmas came early this year. IFC Films has acquired the North American rights to “Dear Santa,” a documentary about the U.S. Post Office’s “Operation Santa” program that helps get children’s letters to Santa in the hands of those who can help make kids’ Christmas wishes come true.
Dana Nachman, who directed the documentaries “Pick of the Litter” and “Batkid Begins” about the viral “Batkid” sensation, directed “Dear Santa.” And IFC Films will release the documentary on December 4 during the 2020 holiday season.
For 100 years already, the Post Office has run its “Operation Santa” program, which filters hundreds of thousands of letters addressed to Santa and delivers them not to the North Pole but to “Operation Santa” centers around the country, whether in New York City or in small towns where the Post Office is often the heart of the community. From there, the letters are sent, often to strangers, who out of the goodness of their hearts can help to deliver toys to those in need and make some dreams come true.
“Dear Santa” specifically follows the process surrounding the delivery of one letter that asks for something other than a toy, and the film examines the value of this American tradition and asks audiences to think about how they can make the world a better place.
The film is produced by Chelsea Matter, Brendan Gaul, Christopher Karpenko and Nachman in partnership with UM Studios
IFC Films
“We’re delighted to partner with Dana once again, this time on ‘Dear Santa,’ which puts a spotlight on the incredible individuals behind projects like ‘Operation Santa’. Dana is a documentarian who reminds us continually of the importance of community and we are certain this film will bring joy to viewers of all ages this holiday season,” Arianna Bocco, EVP of acquisitions and productions at IFC Films said in a statement.
“I have had the absolute honor of being able to work on ‘Dear Santa’ for the last 10-months. The opportunity to dive into a story that highlights the best of humanity during one of our nation’s darkest times has been an immeasurable gift. I am so thrilled that ‘Dear Santa’ will now go out into the world and be a gift for audiences everywhere,” Nachman said.
IFC previously released Nachman’s “Pick of the Litter” about puppies that are trained to become seeing eye dogs, and the film grossed over $1 million globally at the box office between its theatrical release and on-demand and digital revenue.
The deal for “Dear Santa” was negotiated by IFC Films’ EVP of Acquisitions and Productions Arianna Bocco with ICM Partners and Submarine Entertainment on behalf of the filmmakers.
20 Ugly Christmas Sweaters on TV and in Film, From 'Real Housewives' to 'Step Brothers' (Photos)
'Tis the season to be jolly... and what better way to start things off with a smile than to point out some truly unattractive holiday wardrobe choices? Here are a handful of the ugliest Christmas sweater to be found on TV and in films.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000): Jim Carrey's Grinch with the itty bitty heart also has itty bitty taste in clothing.
"Bridget Jones' Diary" (2001): Bridget thought Mark Darcy might be Mr. Right... and then she saw this sweater.
"The Santa Clause 2" (2002): That's the way to butter up Santa, Molly (Shannon). Toss his face onto a sweater to keep him close to your heart.
"Love, Actually" (2003): OK, OK. We know y'all love this movie, but John's sweater looks like a peacock mated with an American flag. Just sayin'.
"Deck the Halls" (2006): Matthew Broderick's Christmas mope specialist wanted his kids to have a traditional holiday, matching sweaters and all.
"The Santa Clause 3" (2006): Hey, Santa. You might want to stick to that red suit if you know what's good for ya.
"Ugly Betty" (2006): Oh, Betty, Betty, Betty. The tacky snowman sweater you wore to Mode Magazine's holiday party pretty much explains the title of the show.
"Step Brothers" (2008): This Will Ferrell-John C. Reilly comedy is proof that fashion sense – and lack there of – runs in the family.
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia": While Charlie went for your standard Christmas sweater – with emphasis on the word "sweat" – Mac ripped off the sleeves of a "Noel" T-shirt for that edgy look.
"Modern Family" (2009): The show's very first Christmas episode had the Dunphy family at their dysfunctional best, showing off their ugly sweaters in a video message to the kids' grandma.
And "Modern Family" again (2011): Tasked with wrapping gifts with Jay, Cam's super-sensitive reaction to his father-in-law not "getting" his thoughtful gift could have been much worse… if Jay told him what he thought about this snowman vest.
"Community" (2011): This Christmas episode had the study group joining the glee club. How those sweaters would cause anyone glee is beyond us.
"Real Housewives of Orange County" (2014): Danielle hosted an "Ugly Sweater" party, all in the name of charity. And, no, these outfits are not couture.
"How I Met Your Mother" (2014): Being a moose's caboose to Marshall's front end was certainly a proof of Lily's love.
"Two and a Half Men" (2014): Santa hanging onto his sled for dear life as it flies upside-down past the huge full moon... is a pretty great sweater... that is upstaged by that atrocity Alan is wearing.
"Hot in Cleveland" (2014): Betty White's Elka would never let an opportunity pass to tease her besties.
"Arrow" (2015): Felicity’s mom added comic relief to a holiday party by giving Hanukkah some equal time.
"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (2015): Darryl got upset when he realizes he was the only one observing National Christmas Sweater Day.
"Office Christmas Party" (2016): Kate McKinnon's human resources rep in this ensemble comedy should have been ticketed by the fashion police.
Hallmark Channel Original Movie "A Shoe Addict’s Christmas" (2018): Jean Smart plays a quirky guardian angel, who introduces Candace Cameron Bure to the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future. Unfortunately, Candace does not reciprocate by introducing Jean to a stylist.
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Quick, call the fashion police!
'Tis the season to be jolly... and what better way to start things off with a smile than to point out some truly unattractive holiday wardrobe choices? Here are a handful of the ugliest Christmas sweater to be found on TV and in films.
