Vantage Media lands worldwide rights to The Christmas Heartbeat

Vantage Media has acquired global distribution rights to The Christmas Heartbeat, a holiday feature set for release Sept. 29, 2026. The film stars Brittany Curran, Beverly D'Angelo and Joey Lawrence and draws on the personal experience of a cardiac arrest survivor.

Why it matters: - The deal gives The Christmas Heartbeat a path to audiences worldwide ahead of its Sept. 29, 2026 release. - The film is positioned as a holiday title with a family and healing angle, a combination that can broaden its appeal beyond the Christmas-movie audience. - The story is rooted in a real cardiac arrest survivor’s experience, giving the project a personal hook that could resonate with viewers.

What happened: - Vantage Media acquired worldwide distribution rights to The Christmas Heartbeat, formerly titled The Heart Brake. - The film is set to release Sept. 29, 2026. - The cast includes Brittany Curran, Hunter Sansone, Beverly D'Angelo, Joey Lawrence, Rachael Thompson, Courtney D'Angelo and WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. - The film is set in Tennessee and follows New York food critic Julia Winters, played by Curran, after a sudden cardiac arrest forces her back to her hometown. - The film was inspired by the personal journey of executive producers Carrie and Gus Romero.

The details: - Lance Smith directed the film and co-wrote it with Chuck Fusca. - Smith also served as executive producer alongside Fusca. - Carrie Romero’s experience as a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and advocate informed the film’s story. - The film is presented as a story about healing, family and second chances. - AbstrACct Creative, MarcoBox Studios and Best Part Productions backed the project. - Trey McClarnon produced the film. - Delaney Blanton, Quinton Macari III and Brian Yuran also produced. - Chuck Fusca of MarcoBox Studios and Jessica Russo, COO at VMI and Vantage Media, negotiated the deal. - Vantage Media describes its slate as spanning documentary and narrative features and says it aims to champion distinctive voices and impactful cinema. - VMI’s recent releases include What Remains, Junction and Haunted Heart. - Vantage Media said the film fits the kind of holiday story that centers on heart, warmth, hope and coming home.

Between the lines: - The release blends holiday sentiment with a medical-crisis premise, which gives the film a more emotional edge than a standard Christmas romance. - The real-life inspiration may help the movie stand out in a crowded seasonal market. - Vantage Media’s comments suggest the distributor sees the film as both commercially accessible and message-driven.

What's next: - The Christmas Heartbeat is slated to reach audiences worldwide on Sept. 29, 2026. - Marketing is already live through the film’s social accounts and title pages. - The release is likely to lean on the film’s holiday timing, cast recognition and recovery storyline.