Franklin-based Christmas movie coming to theaters Tuesday night
Director and writer Sandra Martin has, alongside her cinematographer husband Isaac Alongi, created multiple Hallmark and Lifetime movies. Among their previous films are other Christmas movies.
However, those were both shot at other locations. And, made in very un-Christmas-like hot weather.
“We have previously made two Christmas movies during the summer and you have to be careful of what you show and what has to be painted out. You have to use fake snow and put up every Christmas decoration that you see,” Martin said. “On top of that you are putting your actors in wool coats in 90 degree weather, so it’s very uncomfortable.”
So, earlier this year, for their latest movie, “It’s Christmas Again,” the crew filmed in Downtown Franklin. It was January in Middle Tennessee with holiday decorations and cold weather still hanging around – including an unexpected snowfall that “made for some last minute changes” and “beautiful scenes with real snow.”
“It’s Christmas Again” will debut in theaters one day only, Nov. 29. More information about streaming and DVD sales will be available soon thereafter.
“We hope that the audience will leave reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and that will be reflected in their generosity towards others,” Martin said. “We have a song near the end, called ‘Reach Out a Hand,’ which I think is a nice reminder for all of us.”
Director: 'We fell in love with Franklin'
The couple both live in Kansas City. But they were drawn to make their latest film, which stars Belmont University student Lawson Touliatos and Nashville-native Darby Cappillino, in Franklin for multiple reasons.
“We fell in love with Franklin when our daughter started at O’Moore College 12 years ago,” Martin said. “When trying to find a location to set a Christmas movie, we couldn’t think of a more festive and quaint spot.”
She said the Nashville area has become like a second home with her daughter’s family, including grandchildren, in the area.
What’s it about?
“It’s Christmas Again” is about Jake Young, played by Touliatos, who wants nothing more than to spend his Christmas vacation with his girlfriend, Abbey Walker, played by Leela Owen.
Abbey volunteers for her church’s Christmas play and Jake is ready to skip Christmas. But an unexpected turn of events lands him in a field outside Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born.
The film highlights key locations in downtown Franklin, including the historic town square, and will bring the beauty of a Music City Christmas to audiences across the country.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Franklin-based Christmas movie coming to theaters, director focus is ‘true meaning’
