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Logline

Facing the loss of her family’s historic Wyoming dude ranch, a determined single mom invites Willie Nelson to headline a Christmas fundraising show. As her plans unravel and all appears lost, she’s surprised to rediscover the real meaning of family, home, and Christmas.

Synopsis

Grace needs a miracle.

A single mom fighting to save her family’s struggling Wyoming dude ranch, Grace pins her hopes on an Angel Investor from England. When his generosity turns out to be a scam, she defiantly hatches a plan to host a Christmas fundraiser concert headlined by her father’s old friend, country legend Willie Nelson – without telling her father.

But when her big Christmas fundraising plan falls apart—including a mix-up where the “Willie Nelson” she invited turns out to be the local plumber’s son, ‘Will Nielson’—it seems like all is lost.

Meanwhile, Daniel, a handsome developer from Los Angeles arrives, grounded by a blizzard and rerouted from the most important business deal of his career. Despite an undeniable attraction, their connection is marred by Grace’s distrust of outsiders and Daniel’s disdain for her “hick town” – and the fact that he’s made his fortune by tearing down properties just like hers.

With nowhere to stay but the ranch, however, Grace and Daniel are forced to spend time together. As Daniel helps her rediscover the voice she buried in grief, Grace can’t help but reconsider him – and her situation – in a new light. As Daniel connects with Grace’s imperfect but loving family, particularly her father and son, he is faced with the choice – continue along his current path or step into the unknown, becoming the man he might really want to be.

Under the glow of the Christmas Star, Grace and Daniel learn together that the real miracle isn’t saving the ranch—it’s rediscovering what’s been true all along: “A family’s never broken if they love each other well.”

With humor, heart, and the unexplainable mercy of Christmas, Grace’s story reminds us that the greatest gift of all is love.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Jason Satterlund — Director
Jason Satterlund has been writing and directing for over 25 years with multiple award-winning feature films and episodes of television. After premiering at the Mammoth Film Festival, his feature, The Abandon was released theatrically by Lionsgate. With a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, it is one of the highest-rated Lionsgate films of 2024. His Star Wars film, Kenobi, clocked one million views in its first 24 hours on YouTube, then landed on Steven Soderbergh’s watch list. This resulted in a cover page article in the New York Times’ arts section. Satterlund is regularly featured on the prestigious Film Courage YouTube channel.

Hannah Barefoot — Screenwriter/Lead Actress
Hannah Barefoot is a SAG-AFTRA actress, writer, and singer originally from Wyoming. She has starred in 12 feature films in roles ranging from the romantic lead to the psychotic villain. In addition to many theatre credits, she has recurred and guest starred in series such as The Chosen, Good Girls Revolt, The Rookie , Chicago Med, etc. She is a singer/songwriter in the indie-folk band The Luminous Grey, and her songs have been featured in many films she’s starred in, including Off The Rails for Lifetime and Country Christmas ALBUM for Ion. This is Hannah’s first feature film as a writer.

Mark G. Mathis — Producer
MAark G. Mathis (P.G.A., D.G.A.) is an Academy Award-nominated Producer and Director with a career spanning 35 years. Mark’s producing credits include the Academy Award and Golden Globe Nominee for Best Picture, Sundance Grand Jury and Audience Award winner, Independent Spirit Award winner for best picture, Precious : based on the novel Push by Sapphire, Seven Days In Utopia, with Robert Duvall, the Rian Johnson Sundance hit Brick released by Focus Features (nominated for the 2006 Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for Best Producer) the Lee Daniels project, The Butler , and many more.

Jeri Rafter — Line Producer
Jeri Rafter is one of the most accomplished and busy producers working in the Montana/Wyoming film industry. With over 70 credits that range from independent films to studio features, Jeri has produced films starring Nicolas Cage, Bill Pullman, Anna Camp, Isaiah Mustafa, Gabriel Byrne, etc. She recently wrapped production on the upcoming Montana-made thriller starring Hannah Barefoot, The Needle Man. Jeri is a Montana local and understands the unique complexities to shooting on location in the Rocky Mountains. She is active in the local legislature, helping to ensure that Montana remains a viable film market in the Mountain West.

Hallie Swain — Cinematographer
Hallie Swain is a Montana-based cinematographer. Ever enamored by the challenge of capturing the natural allure of her home-state, Hallie continues to hone her craft with constant experimentation, examination, and execution. Hallie works to capture images that illustrate the story to effectively visualize the director’s vision. She has shot many films in her beautiful state, including Wild Cat, Man Baby, The Needle Man, and To Build A Fire. Hallie is committed to fostering and expanding the film opportunities available in the Northwest. Hallie is based in Bozeman, Montana and continues to work in her home state whenever possible.

Andy Barefoot/Hannah Barefoot — Song Writers
Andy Barefoot and Hannah Barefoot form the indie-folk-country duo, The Luminous Grey, and have written all the original songs for the film. As a married couple, they have written and recorded music for over fifteen years, including multiple songs commissioned for films Hannah has starred in, including To See Your Smile for Off The Rails (Lifetime), Geronimo for Country Christmas Album (Hulu), and an original rendition of Dream A Little Dream of Me for SINFONIETTA. They have released two albums, available on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere music is sold. Andy currently serves as the Worship Pastor at Atmosphere Church in Westlake Village, CA, where Hannah volunteers as a worship leader as well.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.