(Allem Fraser for Lionsgate)
Winnipeg-Filmed Christmas Movie Ranks #3 in Theatres Across North America
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a holiday movie shot in Winnipeg and directed by The Chosen’s Dallas Jenkins, made an impressive debut at the box office, landing at #3 over its opening weekend.
The film brought in $10.8 million across the U.S. and Canada, placing just behind Venom: The Last Dance with $15.9 million and Heretic with $11 million.
A Classic Christmas Tale With a Fresh Winnipeg Twist
The film, based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved book, follows the antics of the Herdman siblings, who accidentally find themselves as the stars of a small town’s Christmas pageant.
Known as troublemakers, the Herdmans initially disrupt the production, directed by Grace, her daughter Beth, and her husband Bob, but ultimately surprise the community—and themselves—by embodying the true spirit of Christmas.
Dallas Jenkins, who aims to bring the essence of the Christmas story to audiences, has called the movie “a Jesus story at heart,” hoping it becomes a new holiday classic that inspires viewers.
Producer Kevin Downes fondly recalled filming in Winnipeg's frigid temperatures, marvelling at the resilience of local residents.
With a strong opening weekend, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever looks poised to become a Christmas favourite, carrying a meaningful message for audiences this holiday season.