Film Festival Selections & Screenings

  • 2026 ATL Doc Fest

Online Premiere (March 23-April 6)

  • 2026 Riverside International Film Festival

LIVE World Premiere, April 10th 2026 @ 7:20PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riverside-international-film-festival-2026-tickets-1986476216839?aff=oddtdtcreator

Behind the Beard: Making Santa Real

A New Documentary from filmmaker Brandon Rice

Every December, millions of children around the world believe in the magic of Santa Claus—but behind the red suit and white beard are the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping that magic alive. Behind the Beard: Making Santa Real pulls back the curtain on the world of professional Santas, exploring the artistry, sacrifice, and heart it takes to embody the most beloved figure of the holiday season. Through intimate interviews, behind-the-scenes access, and touching stories of connection, the film reveals how portraying Santa is not just a job, but a calling to bring joy, wonder, and belief into a world that needs it now more than ever.

“Behind the Beard: Making Santa Real” will make its World Premiere at the 2026 Riverside International Film Festival on Friday, April 10th at 7:20pm! We cannot wait to share our documentary with you all and we are so excited! Tickets are
Director Brandon Rice got his start in high-school, collaborating with longtime friend Daniel Noa on short films, that eventually lead to their first feature length film, “Smuggler’s Ransom”, in 2006. Now, 20 years later, Brandon ma
Behind the scenes from our shoot in Santa Claus Indiana. What an incredible time.
A little behind the scenes while we were at the Santa Family reunion interviewing @nationalsanta #santa #behindthescenes #documentary
“Putting on the suit makes you a better person.” #santa #santaclaus #christmas #documentary
Interviewing Mrs. Pat Koch was a true highlight in this production.
#santa #documentary #santaclaus
“Behind the Beard: Making Santa Real” has been selected as a part of a special online screening at the ATL Docfest @atlantafilmseries Could not be more excited to be a part of this incredible collection of documentaries and talented film