Beverly D'Angelo & Brittany Curran in The Christmas Heartbeat
The Christmas Heartbeat Hunter Sansone
Global distribution rights to The Christmas Heartbeat (formerly titled The Heart Brake) have been acquired by Vantage Media, with the film slated for a September 29th, 2026 release.
We are absolutely thrilled to share The Christmas Heartbeat with audiences across the globe. This is the type of holiday movie that rekindles our love for Christmas each and every season…”— Jessica RussoLOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, September 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — LOS ANGELES, Calif. — SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 — Vantage Media has secured worldwide distribution rights for the romantic holiday feature The Christmas Heartbeat (previously referred to as The Heart Brake), which is scheduled to debut on September 29th, 2026.
Drawing from real-life events, the movie stars Brittany Curran (The Magicians), Hunter Sansone (Stargirl), Beverly D'Angelo (National Lampoon’s Vacation), Joey Lawrence (Melissa & Joey), Rachael Thompson (WandaVision), Courtney D'Angelo (Riverdance), and WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley.
Taking place in Tennessee, this romantic feature follows Julia Winters (Curran), a New York food critic who, following a sudden cardiac arrest, is compelled to return to her hometown—a place where the Christmas spirit never fades and unresolved issues remain. In order to genuinely move ahead, she must face the history she believed she had escaped and the future she never anticipated.
Helmed by Lance Smith, who also co-wrote and served as executive producer alongside Chuck Fusca, The Christmas Heartbeat was inspired by the personal experiences of executive producers Carrie and Gus Romero. Based on Carrie Romero's own journey as a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and advocate, the film delivers an authentic, uplifting narrative about recovery, family, and fresh starts.
"The Christmas Heartbeat is equally a Christmas story, a family story, and a love story, but most importantly, it serves as a testament to the resilience of the human heart," stated Smith.
“For independent films, securing distribution can feel like searching for a way out in a pitch-black room. Vantage Media shone as a guiding light from the very first time they contacted us. They grasped what our movie was about and its purpose. We weren’t just another entry on a list. We’re thrilled to introduce The Christmas Heartbeat to viewers and grateful that VMI opened that door,” Smith added.
Produced by Trey McClarnon, the film comes from AbstrACct Creative, MarcoBox Studios, and Best Part Productions. Additional producers included Delaney Blanton, Quinton Macari III, and Brian Yuran.
Chuck Fusca of MarcoBox Studios and Jessica Russo, COO at VMI & Vantage Media, negotiated the agreement.
"We are incredibly excited to present The Christmas Heartbeat to audiences worldwide. This is the kind of holiday movie that reminds us why we fall for Christmas year after year—it overflows with heart, warmth, hope, and the enchantment of coming home. At its heart, it’s a lovely tale about healing, new opportunities, and rediscovering the people and places that define us. We think audiences everywhere will relate to its universal themes of love, family, and finding your way back home during the holidays, making it an ideal film to celebrate the Christmas season." Says Jessica Russo, COO at VMI.
About Vantage Media
Vantage Media is a premier film distribution company dedicated to delivering bold, high-caliber storytelling to international audiences. Boasting a varied lineup that includes documentaries and narrative features, Vantage Media is devoted to supporting unique voices and impactful cinema. Vantage Media has established itself as a leading distribution partner with the ambition of being the distributor created by filmmakers for filmmakers. Recent VMI releases include Stellan Skarsgård’s and Andrea Riseborough’s What Remains, Bryan Greenberg’s directorial debut Junction, and Academy Award-winner Fernando Trueba’s Haunted Heart featuring Matt Dillon.
Contact for The Christmas Heartbeat: Kate Richardson | Kate@RichlynnGroup.com
Tyler Phillips
Richlynn Group
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