VANTAGE MEDIA Acquires Global Rights to The Christmas Heartbeat: Stars Brittany Curran, Beverly D’Angelo & Joey Lawrence

Vantage Media has acquired worldwide distribution rights to The Christmas Heartbeat (previously the The Heart Brake), set to release September 29th 2026.

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, September 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — LOS ANGELES, Calif. — SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 — Vantage Media has acquired worldwide distribution rights to the romantic holiday feature, The Christmas Heartbeat (previously known as The Heart Brake), which is set to release September 29th 2026.

Inspired by true events, the film 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.
Set in Tennessee, the romantic feature centers on New York food critic Julia Winters (Curran), who, after a sudden cardiac arrest, is forced back to her hometown, where Christmas never fades and old wounds still linger. To truly move forward, she must confront the past she thought she’d left behind and the future she never saw coming.

Directed by Lance Smith, who also co-wrote and executive-produced the film alongside Chuck Fusca, The Christmas Heartbeat was inspired by the personal journey of executive producers Carrie and Gus Romero. Drawing from Carrie Romero’s own experience as a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and advocate, the film offers an authentic and uplifting portrayal of healing, family, and second chances.

“The Christmas Heartbeat is equal parts a Christmas story, a family story, and a love story, but above all, it’s a reminder of the resiliency of the human heart,” said Smith.

“For independent films, finding distribution can be like looking for an exit door in a dark room. Vantage Media was a beacon of light from the moment they reached out to us. They understood our movie and its mission. We weren’t just another title on the roster. We’re very excited to bring The Christmas Heartbeat to audiences and grateful VMI opened the door,” continues Smith.

From AbstrACct Creative, MarcoBox Studios, and Best Part Productions, the film was produced by Trey McClarnon. Delaney Blanton, Quinton Macari III, and Brian Yuran were also producers.

The deal was negotiated by Chuck Fusca of MarcoBox Studios and Jessica Russo, COO at VMI & Vantage Media.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring The Christmas Heartbeat to audiences around the world. This is the kind of holiday film that reminds us why we fall in love with Christmas year after year—it’s filled with heart, warmth, hope, and the magic of coming home. At its core, it’s a beautiful story about healing, second chances, and rediscovering the people and places that shape who we are. We believe audiences everywhere will connect with its universal message of love, family, and finding your way back home for the holidays, making it the perfect film to celebrate the Christmas season.” Says Jessica Russo, COO at VMI.

About Vantage Media
Vantage Media is a leading film distribution company focused on bringing bold, high-quality storytelling to global audiences. With a diverse slate spanning documentary and narrative features, Vantage Media is committed to championing distinctive voices and impactful cinema. Vantage Media has found success in being a leading distribution partner with the goal of being the distributor by filmmakers for filmmakers. VMI’s recent 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 starring Matt Dillon.

Contact for The Christmas Heartbeat: Kate Richardson | Kate@RichlynnGroup.com

Tyler Phillips
Richlynn Group
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