By HAILEY CABRAL
News Correspondent
Christmas came a little early to Riverbank when the red carpet was rolled out for a special event at Galaxy Theatres in the City of Action.
On Thursday evening, Nov. 5, the theater hosted a special showing of Nicely Entertainment’s holiday-themed film “A Christmas Ornament to Remember.”
Many of the movie’s scenes were shot in familiar locations in Riverbank including the Plaza del Rio downtown as well as at some local homes. Movie-watchers will also likely notice other familiar places like Surla’s restaurant in Modesto and the ice-skating rink in Long Barn.
Riverbank Mayor, Rachel Hernandez, alongside the Galaxy Theatres team, crafted a night of merriment. From the twinkling Christmas lights to the ribbons and bows decking the halls, the theater was turned in to a winter wonderland for the occasion. As special guests arrived, they were greeted by the festive orchestrations of Riverbank High School’s jazz band. They played all the holiday classics. Guests arrived in true yuletide fashion wearing their best attire; from top hats to silver bells.
Actors from the movie, Hannah Brantley and Sam Robinson Kruem, were joined by their families to celebrate the screening alongside the film’s writer and director Arvin N. Berner. Watching the movie on the big screen for the first time, the cast and crew saw their artistic vision realized.
Mayor Hernandez and Berner also shared a few words with those attending before the movie.
The mayor greeted the audience, saying: “It’s not every day that our community gets to be a part of Hollywood Christmas magic, so I was not surprised when so many of you turned out when there was a call for extras. And that’s really what makes our city so special, we support one another.”
Berner went on to acknowledge the teamwork needed to pull off a movie, stating, “together we make beautiful art.”
As the lights dimmed, eager movie watchers waited in anticipation to see their town on the silver screen. The movie is a heartwarming story following Amanda, played by Brantley, on a journey to rediscover her love for the holidays. After a storm passes through her hometown, she is called back home to help rebuild the town’s nativity scene before the mayor cancels the annual tree lighting.
Following the showing of the movie, Berner and Brantley participated in a ‘Q&A’ session with the audience.
The movie is family friendly and perfect for the quickly approaching holiday season. It can be found on multiple streaming platforms including Roku, Tubi, and YouTube under the channel @NicelyEntertainment.
