12-08-2023 11:40am

NOW STREAMING - 'AMERICAN SANTA' Film on Black Santas Executive Produced by Billy Porter and D.J. Gugenheim and Streaming from L.A. Times Short Docs

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

December 8, 2023|-Anita Johnson-Brown|The Los Angeles News

'AMERICAN SANTA'

The documentary short film, "American Santa," is now available for free on the Los Angeles Times' YouTube channel and website. The film, produced by Alexandra Berger and directed by Avi Zev Weider, celebrates the joy and resilience of Black Santas while also shedding light on the haunting shadow of racism in America. Executive produced by Billy Porter and D.J. Gugenheim in association with Incognegro Productions, this film delivers an indictment of American racism written on the back of a Christmas card. "American Santa" is an Academy Awards contender for Best Documentary Short Film and was included on DOC NYC's influential 15-film Short List. Learn more at L.A. Times Short Docs film series.

In the movie, Black Santas are portrayed as superhero figures who bring joy, love, and acceptance to families and children at a busy mall. However, as the holiday season approaches, a dark cloud looms over the festivities, reminding us of the evils of bigotry. The message is delivered as a scathing indictment against hate and prejudice.

An engaging heart-throbbing insight into how racism affects America. -Anita Johnson-Brown|The Los Angeles News

“American Santa” was filmed in December 2022 leading up to Christmas Eve at the Eastridge Mall in Gastonia, North Carolina. To capture the genuine essence of this unique holiday experience, filmmaker Avi Zev Weider embedded closely with Stafford Braxton and the dedicated Santas of "Santas Just Like Me." Their immersive approach provides an intimate and unapologetic look into the lives of these Black Santas, unveiling both the immense joy they bring and the unsettling challenges they face. The film has recently played at Provincetown Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, and Montclair Film Festival.

Director Avi Zev Weider said, "My intention was to spotlight the resilience and enduring spirit of these Santas in the face of adversity. I wanted to amplify a story that often goes unheard. As the L.A. Times showcases 'American Santa' to audiences worldwide, I'm hopeful that its core message - that racist ideas breed racists - will provoke thoughtful conversations this holiday season."

L.A. Times Studios Senior Commissioning Editor Nani Walker added, “We are proud to add ‘American Santa’ to our slate, a stark film about the racial divide in this country.”

Director’s Statement

On December 6th, 2022, I heard a story on NPR’s “All Things Considered” that caught my attention. Juana Summers was interviewing a man, Stafford Braxton, about his business - “Santas Just Like Me.” In the interview, Stafford not only describes the joy he brings to families by making Black and Brown Santas available but also the racist pushback he endures.

Stafford said: “Matter of fact, we had an event - when you're approaching the Santa set where I'm located, you cannot tell what the Santa looks like that is in the chair until you walk around. And so the little girl was anxious, ready to go see Santa. And when she saw Santa, she was ready to get in line to go see him. But the mother said that's not the kind we like... So you can see how racism is perpetuated from one generation to the next. I receive multiple phone calls. I saved about 10 or 15 that have been very vile, and I wouldn't even repeat the stuff that has been said to me or to Santa.”

As someone who has also been on the receiving end of anonymous anti-Semitic voice messages, listening to this part both set my teeth on edge and sparked my vision for the film. Driven by a desire to present a complete and honest portrayal of Stafford Braxton's journey and the experiences of the Black Santas, I expressed to Stafford my intention to confront the painful reality of the racism they faced. I wanted to include the racist voice messages left for him as a powerful counterpoint to the joy and positivity that Stafford and the Santas were creating. I needed to weave these contrasting narratives together, exposing the stark contrast between the love and acceptance they were spreading and the ugliness of the racism that persists in our society. With Stafford's support and courage, we embarked on a journey to capture both the highs and lows, shining a light on the resilience and grace displayed by these everyday heroes. By sharing these difficult experiences, "American Santa" aims to challenge, educate, and ultimately inspire meaningful conversations about the urgent need for equality and understanding.

Credits

Director: Avi Zev Weider, Producer: Avi Zev Weider, Producer: Alexandra Berger, Director of Photography: John Maringouin, Editor: Avi Zev Weider, Executive Producers: Billy Porter and D.J. Gugenheim in association with Incognegro Productions, Production Company: Loop Filmworks. Featuring: Santas Just Like Me, Stafford Braxton, Soulful Santa Maurice, Soulful Mrs. Claus, Santa Warren, Santa Bill, and Pink. Colorist: Derek Wiesehan, Key Art Designer: Missy Chimovitz, Sound Designer and Mixer: Avi Zev Weider.

For L.A. Times Studios: Senior Commissioning Producer: Nani Sahra Walker, Supervising Producer: Leslie Lindsey, Senior Producer: Karen Foshay, Series Producer: Jessica Q. Chen, Executive Producers: Sharon Matthews, Terry Tang, Jason Spingarn-Koff, Shani Hilton, and Kevin Merida.

View the Trailer AMERICAN SANTA // LA TIMES SHORT DOCS courtesy of Avi Weider

Watch American Santa latimes.com globally – for free.