American Santa

On December 6th, 2022, I heard a story on NPR’s “All Things Considered” that caught my attention. Juana Summers was interviewing a man, Stafford Braxton, about his business - “Santas Just Like Me.” In the interview, Stafford not only describes the joy he brings to families by making Black and Brown Santas available but also the racist pushback he endures.

Stafford said: “Matter of fact… when you're approaching the Santa set where I'm located, you cannot tell what the Santa looks like… And so the little girl was anxious, ready to go see Santa. And when she saw Santa, she was ready to get in line to go see him. But the mother said that's not the kind we like… So you can see how racism is perpetuated from one generation to the next. I receive multiple phone calls. I saved about ten or fifteen that have been very vile, and I wouldn't even repeat the stuff that has been said to me or to Santa.”

As someone who has also been on the receiving end of anonymous anti-Semitic voice messages, listening to this part set my teeth on edge, sparked my vision for the film, and was a stark reminder of how racism, often rooted in learned ideas and attitudes, continues to manifest. This understanding – that it's not just individuals, but the propagation of racist ideas that create racists – became the driving force behind the film.

American Santa is not just a recount of events; it's a poignant contrast between the joy these Santas spread and the scourge of racism they endure. It underscores a critical message: it's not just individual acts of racism that are the problem, but the underlying racist ideas that perpetuate this cycle. With Stafford's brave support, our film delves into the emotional reality, resilience, and grace of these Santas, juxtaposing their joyous moments with the harsh reality of racism.

I aim to not just tell a story but to ignite a conversation – to challenge viewers, educate them, and inspire a deeper understanding of equality. American Santa is a journey into understanding how changing ideas can lead to changing attitudes, hopefully shaping a better, more inclusive world.