Gramado and New York City Set to Shine in Upcoming Holiday Romantic Drama 'A Chocolate Christmas'

A new holiday-themed feature film, 'A Chocolate Christmas,' is set to capture the magic of Christmas in both Gramado, Brazil, and New York City, with production commencing in December 2026. Directed by renowned Brazilian helmer-producer Paulo Nascimento, this Portuguese-language romantic drama promises to bring the essence of the holiday season to the big screen.

Background & Context

Gramado, a picturesque mountain resort in southern Brazil, is no stranger to the film industry. The town has played host to numerous productions over the years, including the annual Gramado Film Festival. This year's festival will witness the announcement of the film project 'A Chocolate Christmas,' further solidifying Gramado's reputation as a hub for cinematic creativity.

The film's production is a collaboration between Accorde Filmes, H2O Films, and Rose Pictures, a NYC-based indie production company. This joint effort brings together expertise from Brazil and the United States, showcasing the growing significance of international co-productions in the film industry.

Key Details

'A Chocolate Christmas' is a romantic drama set during Natal Luz de Gramado, a 45-day-long Christmas festival recognized by Guinness as the world's longest. The film's narrative revolves around Linda, a 17-year-old teenager who leaves her family in Gramado to study in the U.S. Ten years later, Linda returns to Brazil after her father suffers a heart attack and finds herself reuniting with her former boyfriend amidst the festive atmosphere of Gramado.

Paulo Nascimento, the film's director and producer, will shoot the feature over four weeks in Gramado in January 2027, incorporating exteriors of the Natal Luz de Gramado festivities. The production will also capture a week's worth of scenes in New York City in December 2026, adding to the film's diverse and captivating backdrop.

Nascimento highlighted the production value of Natal Luz de Gramado, stating, "From a producer's perspective, Natal Luz has a production value that not even a major Netflix production could provide. We will have access to all of the event's activities and incorporate them into the film. In other words, we will have the scale of a major production without the corresponding costs."

What Experts Say

Nascimento's experience in directing 17 films, including political dramas and genre films, has undoubtedly prepared him for the complexities of 'A Chocolate Christmas.' His past projects, such as 'In Your Name' and 'Westend of the World,' showcase his versatility as a director and his ability to tackle diverse themes and genres.

Key Takeaways

• Gramado, Brazil, will serve as the primary location for the film's production, with a focus on capturing the essence of Natal Luz de Gramado.
• 'A Chocolate Christmas' will be a collaborative effort between Accorde Filmes, H2O Films, and Rose Pictures.
• The film's narrative revolves around Linda, a 17-year-old teenager who returns to her hometown of Gramado after her father's heart attack.
• Paulo Nascimento will direct and produce the film, drawing from his experience in directing 17 films across various genres.

What This Means For You

The production of 'A Chocolate Christmas' in both Gramado and New York City will undoubtedly bring attention to these locations, showcasing their unique charm and attractions. For film enthusiasts and tourists alike, this production will offer a glimpse into the magic of the holiday season, highlighting the beauty of both cities during this time of year.

As the film's release date approaches, fans of romantic dramas and holiday-themed films will be eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience the enchanting story of 'A Chocolate Christmas' on the big screen.