This year, the film industry is buzzing with excitement as Ashley Newbrough and Chad Rook take center stage in the holiday movie, *A Dickens of a Christmas*. The film, which concluded production under the able direction of Gillian McKercher, is being launched at MIPCOM in Cannes. It’s a collaboration between renowned production companies, including Castle Mountain Entertainment and Messina Captor Films Inc., promising viewers an engaging blend of holiday cheer and romance.
The film tells the story of Zara, portrayed by Newbrough, a devoted lawyer struggling to cope with traumatic Christmas memories. The emotional weight of the holidays has left her isolated, with little room for romantic connections. Her journey begins with the encouragement of her best friend Chloe, played by Kaya Coleman, who convinces her to attend an extravagant Victorian-themed Dickens Christmas dinner in a historic house. Herein lies the film’s unique twist—Zara encounters Rafe, portrayed by Chad Rook, a devoted single father and hockey coach who harbors aspirations of giving old homes a new lease on life.
The narrative unfolds layers of complexity when Rafe’s ancestral ghost, Aubrey, manifested by Mark Bellamy, undertakes the surprising role of a matchmaker. Through his whimsical meddling, the charm of Dickensian love stories begins to alter Zara’s skeptical viewpoint on love and relationships. This added supernatural element, while not entirely unprecedented in holiday films, serves to enhance the story’s whimsicality and engage the audience on multiple levels.
Catherine Fridey, the film’s writer, has a solid track record of crafting stories that resonate with viewers. Her past works include both co-writing roles and other creative endeavors, culminating in a project that not only entertains but also offers a thoughtful reflection on personal growth and the possibility of love. Meanwhile, the expertise of executive producers like Roxanne Messina Captor and Jason Wan Lim underscores the film’s strong creative backing. Messina Captor’s prior involvement with Hallmark productions promises a similarly heartfelt approach to storytelling.
Enthralling an audience is no small feat, and the collaborative efforts of talented individuals from various backgrounds highlight the film’s potential to be a hit among holiday enthusiasts. With its roots in Alberta, Canada, it benefits from a picturesque setting that adds to the authenticity of the story.
With the distribution rights in capable hands at Tarf Media and U.S. rights managed by Messina Captor, *A Dickens of a Christmas* is poised to attract significant attention beyond the film festival circuit. Given the popularity of holiday films, particularly those that blend romance with heartwarming narratives, this project stands to capture the hearts of audiences, making it a must-see this festive season.
Overall, *A Dickens of a Christmas* promises to weave together themes of nostalgia, love, and a touch of the mystical, revitalizing the holiday film genre. As viewers gather to watch, it will undoubtedly become a conversation starter and a cherished addition to their holiday traditions.