Christmas Heartbeat Film Released for Streaming
The Nashville-produced film highlights cardiac arrest survival stories.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Heart Disease
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The Christmas Heartbeat, a film inspired by the personal survival story of Carrie Romero, has officially arrived on streaming platforms. The project is available for rent through Amazon and Fandango.
Why it matters
Producers funded the film to increase public awareness regarding cardiac arrest survival and the critical importance of using automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The production was completed over a 16-day shoot in Nashville. Funding for the movie totaled $1 million.
The players
Carrie Romero
She is the subject of the film and a cardiac arrest survivor who has advocated for health awareness online since 2018.
Lance Smith
He is the director of the film who is currently managing efforts to secure international distribution for the project.
Beverly D'Angelo
She is an actress and singer known for her extensive film career who appears in a supporting role in the movie.
Mick Foley
He is a former professional wrestler and author who makes an appearance in the film's supporting cast.
The details
Shot at locations including Blakeford Senior Life in Green Hills and a home in Leiper's Fork, the film features performances by Beverly D'Angelo and Mick Foley. The movie dramatizes the life of Carrie Romero, who has shared her health journey online since 2018 under the Zapgirl handle.
Timeline
The film became available on streaming platforms on October 14, 2026.
A cast and crew screening is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at Opry Mills.
The production took place during a 16-day shoot in 2025.
Carrie Romero began using her Zapgirl social media handle in 2018.
Health Landscape
This project follows a pattern set by local Nashville film productions that use narrative storytelling to bridge gaps in public health education. It marks a departure from traditional clinical outreach by placing cardiac arrest survival information into the entertainment sector.
Viewers can learn about the practical use of AEDs through the film's narrative. The story encourages individuals to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest in everyday environments.
The takeaway
Cardiac arrest survival often depends on the quick use of life-saving equipment by bystanders. Audiences are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the location and operation of AEDs in their own neighborhoods.
What happens next
The film's cast and crew will hold a screening at Opry Mills on October 15, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on cardiovascular health, visit the Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tennessean.
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