SANTA CAMP
US, 2022, 92 minutes, Colour.
Directed by Nick Sweeney.
Yes, this is a documentary about an annual camp in New Hampshire, organised by veteran Santa, Dan Greenleaf, for a group of men who act as professional Santas at Christmas time and together together, an enjoyable time, but also an opportunity for sharing about how to be effective in their role as Santa Claus. Some discussions, tutorials, role-plays, questions about how children behave meeting Santa.
We are introduced to many of the men, retirees from their work, a bit more portly than they used to be, and many of them with their own long flowing white beards. They explain themselves in an engaging way.
If this film, and HBO Max documentary, were just about the cheerful getting together, it would be enjoyable enough. However, there are more serious tones and themes within the film.
One of the enjoyable themes is that of the rise of Mrs Claus, some of the older women speaking to camera about the traditional role of Mrs Claus, her equality with her husband, working together with him – and there are a number of women coming to the summer camp as Mrs Claus.
But there are very serious themes as well.
The film makers go to Arkansas, to an affluent white suburb where there is an African-American family living. The father has decided that he wants to be a Santa role model for his child, even to having images of a black Santa. And, hearing about the camp in New Hampshire, decides to go. This raises the issue of the traditional image of Santa, especially from the US in the 19th century, but mention of images offered of St Nicholas, olive complexion and, from Turkey. However, there is a general expectation that Santa, especially in all the illustrations, cards, decorations, Coca-Cola advertisements, is white. The Santa from Arkansas gets a chance to raise the race issues, highlighting an extraordinary bigoted letter against him, signed Santa, then burning it after reading it to the group.
In fact, the Santa group is very understanding, quoting one of their fellows, Dick Marshall, who died in 2021 but is seen in clips, making a statement: God does not create junk. And this is repeated throughout the film, especially when other issues are raised, one of the Santas being a young man, cared for by his mother, medically, mentally and physically impaired. He is enthusiastic about participating in the camp.
And, then there is the issue of the trans-Santa, interviewed, explaining identity, transformation, role as a Santa. (The director of this film, Nick Sweeney, made several documentaries previously on transgender issues.)
There is quite a deal of discussion about the image of Santa, the response of children, tradition, but a changing world of cultures and what that means. However, the film shows many prejudiced people, especially Christians who assert bigoted presuppositions as to who can be Santa – with the reminder of Dick Marshall is saying, God does not make junk.
So, entertaining in itself and raising a great deal of contemporary issues.
