PHILIPSBURG, Pa. — After debuting across Pennsylvania last Christmas season, St. Nick of Bethlehem is returning to the big screen next month. The holiday film will be shown Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 and 8, at 7 p.m. at the historic Rowland Theatre.
Filmmaker Spencer Folmar announced that both weekend showings will include special guests, inviting audiences to help ring in the Christmas season with this story inspired by Clearfield County’s own Santa Claus, Allen Smith.
Based on a true story, St. Nick of Bethlehem follows a man who, after the loss of his son, transforms his grief into hope for others by embodying the spirit of Santa Claus. As he brings joy to countless lives, he not only reunites with his true love but also discovers healing through the act of giving.
The line for the movie’s premiere at Northampton’s Roxy Theatre last year stretched down the block. The film, shot and sourced almost entirely in Bethlehem, is filled with local references.
Scenes feature regional landmarks including Christkindlmarkt, Hotel Bethlehem and St. Luke’s Hospital. The film went on to screen at several Lehigh Valley theaters, including the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, Pocono Cinema, Shankweiler’s Drive-In and the Boyertown State Theatre.
Daniel Roebuck, who co-wrote and directed the movie alongside Folmar and stars as St. Nick, said the film captures the kind of heartfelt storytelling rarely seen in today’s theaters.
“It’s a movie for the family,” Roebuck said. “It’s the kind of movie Hollywood doesn’t make anymore. It’s got family, a little faith and a lot of fun. It’s got nothing dirty and nothing naughty and no Satan.”
Tickets for the St. Nick of Bethlehem screenings are available through the Rowland Theatre.