New Christmas comedy unveils Santa’s lesser-known twin in a sunny setting

Introducing ‘The Other Brother: A Christmas Story’

Hangtime International Pictures has recently announced the development of an exciting new live-action Christmas comedy, “The Other Brother: A Christmas Story”. This film, produced in collaboration with Rain4est, dives into the whimsical narrative of Santa’s lesser-known twin brother, Tayta Noel.

Inspired by Leonidas McNeill’s popular picture book, “Tayta Noel: La Historia de la Otra Navidad”, the movie brings to life the vibrant and culturally rich storyline of Betty, a young girl displaced from her snowy New York home to the sunny climes of Peru for the holidays.

A Journey from Snow to Sand

Upon arriving in Peru, Betty stumbles upon the enchanting tale of Tayta Claus, Santa’s Southern Hemisphere-based twin. This twist on the traditional Christmas narrative offers a delightful exploration of cultural diversity and new festive traditions, making it a fresh addition to the holiday film repertoire.

Stellar Production Team

The film boasts a notable production team including Mijael Garrido Lecca, Kiana Maggiolo, and Adolfo Franco from Rain4est. They’re joined by Hangtime’s co-CEO Frida Torresblanco and producing partner Frank Murray. Dialogue will be primarily in English with some Spanish sections, ensuring an authentic reflection of the story’s cultural roots.

A Vibrant Tale Celebrating Diversity

Hangtime describes the film as a “vibrant, heartwarming tale” that celebrates diversity and new traditions. Betty’s journey is not just about adjusting to a new environment but also about embracing and understanding South American customs, resulting in a rich, educational experience for audiences.

Upcoming Book Release: “The Two Claus Brothers”

In conjunction with the film’s development, Rain4est is releasing a book titled “The Two Claus Brothers” via Penguin Random House. This prose retelling of the Tayta Noel origin story, aimed at children of all ages, serves as an enchanting prelude to the cinematic adaptation slated for principal photography in mid-2025.

Hangtime International’s Expanding Horizons

Launched at Cannes earlier this year by the acclaimed Frida Torresblanco and former head of scripted production for Amazon MGM Studios U.K., Frank Murray, Hangtime International Pictures is rapidly building a diverse content pipeline. With projects spanning high-end films, series, and documentaries, and offices in both New York and London, Hangtime is fostering dynamic partnerships across the Atlantic.

Among these collaborations is the co-production with Rain4est, Rebel Park, and The Ink Factory on the highly anticipated “The Night Manager” Season 2 for BBC One and AMC.

An Exciting New Tradition

Torresblanco emphasizes the unique aspect of this project, stating, “The film will allow global audiences to experience the thrill, the vibrant diversity, and the over-the-top reality of Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere. Themes of family and ritual where parkas, snow, and eggnog give way to bikinis, sand, and mojitos are central to this compelling narrative. The elements of holiday season indulgence and slapstick humor make this a potential cult favorite that can stand alongside other beloved seasonal family films.”

Rain4est: A Nexus of Creativity

Based in New York, Rain4est was co-founded by writers Kiana Maggiolo and Mijael Garrido Lecca, and veteran producers Adolfo Franco and Christian Valdelievre. The company has established a reputation for creating engaging, culturally rich content that appeals to audiences globally.

With “The Other Brother: A Christmas Story”, Rain4est and Hangtime International Pictures are set to enchant viewers with a fresh, heartwarming holiday experience that bridges cultural divides and celebrates the universality of festive cheer.

Fascinated by the festive twists in this story? Share it on social media and stay tuned for more updates on upcoming releases and industry insights.