Black background with white laurel wreath surrounding the words 'Official Selection' and 'AILE 2026' in bold, stylized fonts.

Silver laurels surrounding the text 'California Capital International Documentary Film Festival Official Selection 2026' on a black background.

ABOUT THE FILM

They wear the red suit not for the spotlight, but for the moment when a child's eyes go wide and something real passes between them. Behind the Beard: Making Santa Real follows the men and women who have made Santa & Mrs. Claus their life's calling, revealing the deeply human stories beneath the costume: who these people are, what drives them, and why they believe the magic they carry is worth protecting.

Through intimate portraits and unguarded moments, the film explores identity, devotion, and the quiet power of keeping belief alive. Not just for children, but for themselves.

"Captures the behind-the-scenes magic of becoming Santa without losing the wonder of such a beloved figure.”

— Festival Director, ATL Doc Fest
“A heartfelt and fascinating look at the men and women dedicated to keeping the spirit of Santa Claus alive.”

— Film Threat 8.5/10
“An emotional journey that reignites belief and inspires audiences to carry the Christmas tradition forward.”

Ellie Dickerson - Festival Programmer, Riverside International Film Festival

Riverside International Film Festival World Premiere

Interview with Drinks & A Movie

Creative Team

A smiling man with short light brown hair, a beard, and wearing a dark blue polo shirt standing against a dark background.

Director
Brandon Rice

Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair, smiling, wearing a white top and a delicate gold necklace, against a dark blue gradient background.

Producer
Kate Longfield-Rice

A man in a red blazer and tie sitting indoors near a window, with medals and badges on his blazer.

Producer
Phillip L. Wenz

A man with glasses, a beard, and a black polka dot shirt standing next to a dog dressed in a red and white Santa Claus outfit.

Associate Producer
Christopher Parada

Close-up of a man in a futuristic space suit, looking serious, with a dark background and blue light reflections.

Composer
Justin R. Durban

A man with a beard wearing a gray t-shirt and a black hat, standing in a forest with green and yellow autumn leaves.

Cinematographer
Patrick Johnson

Behind The Scenes

A behind-the-scenes view of a filming crew capturing footage of a man preparing for a Christmas-themed scene, as indicated by Santa hats and holiday decorations on a counter and the presence of a professional video camera.

Four men dressed in red jackets, some with white beards, sitting in a church pew inside a church, with camera equipment set up in front of them.

A man dressed as Santa Claus sitting on a chair in a room being filmed or photographed. Lights, cameras, and equipment are set up around him, with a woman seated nearby holding a script or notes. The room has a patterned carpet, a framed picture of ships on the wall, and various filming gear is visible.

A young boy talking to Santa Claus, who is dressed in a traditional red suit with white fur trim, inside a decorated Christmas booth at Santa's Mailbox. The booth has wooden walls decorated with Christmas trees, nutcracker figures, and holiday orname

Four elderly men with white beards and glasses sitting in church pews, dressed in red and green holiday attire, inside a church with large windows and white walls.

Man dressed as Santa Claus driving a vehicle, wearing a Santa suit, hat with holly decoration, and glasses.

An elderly man with white hair, glasses, and a beard applies makeup in front of a mirror in a dressing room. He is wearing a white shirt with red suspenders. The reflection shows him carefully applying makeup with a brush.

Close-up of elderly woman with white hair wearing red glasses and a red jacket, smiling, with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.

Person dressed as Santa Claus standing on stage in an empty theater, facing the audience with arms raised.