“Dear Santa” is a documentary by filmmaker Dana Nachman, it tells the story of Operation Santa and the United States Post Office. Each year volunteers adopt children and adult letters that are written to St. Nick and attempt to fulfill their wishes.
It’s a heartwarming film that gives us the history of Operation Santa since 1907.
Clip: “Think of it as Santa’s special forces, and we’re going to make sure that these kids are going to get their Christmas presents.”
In my interview with Dana Nachman, I asked her about the film’s inspiration. She told me that years ago, the Post Office published a picture-book about the letters and the children’s requests.
The program has been going on for 150 years. The documentary animation is top-notch and adds to the warm, whimsical tone of the film. Operation Santa is online, although Chicago and New York have hard copy letters.
A former child in need is shown as an adult giving back to help others.
He started a non-profit to help others feel the way he did as a child after receiving a gift from Santa’s elves.
One LGBT letter asking Santa to talk to god to see if he loves him is heart-wrenching. Thankfully, that letter was answered in a direct matter-of-fact way reassuring the child.
I joyed seeing the families receive their gifts; a party was held in a New York High School Gym showing delighted families.
I’m all in 3 and a half out of four stars. As the viewer, you’ll experience the joy of the Christmas spirit. You can’t help be inspired by Santa’s elves and the trouble they encounter in finding the kids’ perfect gifts. The adult letters were poignant as well. One single mother asked for a couch so the kids wouldn’t have to sit on the floor.
Check out my interview with writer and director Dana Nachman on this website and the audio podcast on Hollywood 360 Radio Network: https://www.hollywood360radio.com/dear-santa-★★★%C2%BD-and-superintelligence-pg-★★★/
Sarah Knight Adamson© December 6, 2020