A Novel Christmas.

Two WA filmmakers have reason to celebrate this festive season as their humble short film A Novel Christmas has been selected for screening at two prestigious Academy Award-qualifying festivals.

The film’s heartfelt storytelling and uplifting Christmas message have secured a place at the renowned Austin Film Festival and the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. On the local scene, the film recently screened at Queensland’s Heart Of Gold International Film Festival.

A Novel Christmas is a testament to the magic of Christmas and the dedication of its creators, Nathan Davey and Jesse Laurie. Inspired by the beloved tradition of UK Christmas adverts, the film centres on the spirit of giving, delivering a relatable message that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Jesse Laurie, the film’s writer, expressed his connection to the project, saying, “I love the Australian show, Bluey, and the Christmas commercials that come out of the UK every year, so I wanted to emulate the way they make me feel –– I wanted to write something that felt like a big hug for the heart.”

Jesse continued to add, “Christmas, for me, always involves the family sitting around watching a festive movie we’ve seen a hundred times and quote from start to finish. I would love to write something that becomes an annual family viewing.”

The road to recognition was not without its challenges. A Novel Christmas faced a shaky start as it encountered numerous festival rejections. However, the film’s ability to touch the hearts of viewers worldwide ultimately prevailed. The film’s director, Nathan Davey, shared his sentiments, stating, “To face so many rejections from multiple festivals, you start to doubt yourself as a filmmaker. To put so much passion into a project and have no one see it would be heartbreaking, so I’m beyond happy that this film has found an audience.”

A Novel Christmas is a self-funded project that takes pride in its incorporation of local homegrown talent both in front of and behind the lens. The talented actors, represented by Ali Roberts, were cast from Actors Management International, showcasing the talent in Western Australia. Seven-year-old Koko Kelemete stole the show, delivering a captivating performance in her acting debut.

As Christmas approaches, A Novel Christmas promises to be a beloved addition to the holiday movie roster, spreading love, hope and the spirit of giving to audiences worldwide. Its selection at the Austin, Chicago International Children’s, and Heart Of Gold Film Festivals is nothing short of Christmas arriving early for Davey and Laurie.

Keep an eye on cinemaaustralia.com.au for more A Novel Christmas updates.