SXSW Film

Becoming Santa

Ninety minutes may seem like a long time to ponder Santa Claus, especially during the Christmas off-season, if there is such a thing. But 90 minutes is nothing compared to an entire holiday season spent channeling him – and not just his look but also the spirit he is meant to embody. That's what Jack Sanderson attempts in a bid to reclaim some holiday spirit lost since his parents' passing. The doc follows him from the salon where he bleaches his hair to an actual Santa school and beyond while also exploring the roots of the Santa story, from the real St. Nicholas to the iconic Coca-Cola advertisements. But the charm in this story isn't found in Santa so much as in Sanderson, who can express a world of emotion – and mischievous commentary – with the lift of a single eyebrow. His enthusiasm for the endeavor, mixed with a healthy dose of apprehension and, frankly, a genuine talent for the job, sheds a whole new light on the man behind the beard and what he really means to us all.

Friday, March 18, 2:30pm, Alamo Lamar B