The new Christmas movie made entirely in Texas called A Christmas in New Hope is making history! That’s because it stars model, actress, and self-advocate Mia Armstrong. The 12-year-old is the first child with Down syndrome to have a leading role in a Christmas movie!
On the 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle, Mia calls her syndrome her superpower, saying, “Down syndrome is not a disability, it’s just a different ability.”
A Christmas In New Hope is a new Christmas movie made in Texas!
Mia stars in A Christmas in New Hope alongside some Texans you may recognize, like Friday Night Lights cast member Adrianne Palicki, as well as a slew of other actors you have probably seen before! The film comes to us from Austin based production company Rolling Reels productions. Lead by dynamic duo Mindy Raymond and Julia Barnett, the film company is committed to producing top-quality content, highlighting marginalized communities and themes, at a cost that works for both the filmmaker and investors.
As if that isn’t enough of a Texas connection, the film was shot entirely on location in Waco, Texas (more on that here)!
You only have a few more days to see A Christmas in New Hope this holiday season. The film runs through Saturday, December 23 at EVO Cinemas in Belterra Village. Get tickets here. It’s also playing at EVO in New Braunfels at Creekside Town Center from December 21 through 28.
Fingers crossed that the flick finds a home on a streaming service before next Christmas!
More About Mia Armstrong
Mia has a book coming out called “I Am A Masterpiece.” Random House Children’s Books has announced that it will be released in January. You can pre-order it here.
In a statement about the book, Mia told the Associated Press, “I wrote this story because I want to inspire other people to love their own stories and be proud of who they are… My dream is for ‘I Am a Masterpiece!’ to help kids everywhere recognize that people with Down syndrome are capable, strong and unique and that all people deserve to be accepted and loved.”
And that’s not all! She is also the first child with Down syndrome to provide the voice for a cartoon character. She plays the superhero Eon on the Netflix show “Action Pack.” The episode is called “Playtime” and it’s part of season two.
Looking for more things to do and see in Austin? Check out all of the holiday activities happening around town on our home page!
