Holiday Rom-Com Filming At Clearwater Marine Aquarium

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater Marine Aquarium is serving as a primary filming location for “Christmas in Clearwater,” a holiday romance now in production on Florida’s Gulf Coast, according to a news release from Country Mile Entertainment.

The principal photography has begun on the film, which stars Katrina Norman and Ignacyo Matynia and is directed by Lindsay Hartley.

The aquarium is both a main setting and a central part of the story.

The film follows “an ambitious, career-driven woman” who returns to her hometown during the holiday season to close a business deal, reconnects with a former love, and is drawn back to family, community, and the mission of the local marine aquarium, the production company said.

The movie is targeting a Christmas 2026 release.

“Christmas in Clearwater brings together so much of what I love as a filmmaker. A second-chance romance, family, community, and the kind of work that reminds you why we tell stories like this,” Hartley said. “The Clearwater Marine Aquarium changed something in me from the moment I walked through the doors, and the community welcomed us in like family.”

The screenplay is by Laura Kampo Lennon and F.J. Lennon, according to the release.

John Harris and Marc Marcum are the producers for the company, with Eric Michael Kochmer and Nate Lipp producing for Cinesthesia Factory. Josh Maas is serving as director of photography.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium said the production also highlights its mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Christmas in Clearwater and help bring the story and mission of Clearwater Marine Aquarium to audiences in such a heartfelt way,” Joe Handy, CEO at the aquarium, said. “This film beautifully reflects the values that drive our rescue and rehabilitation efforts every day — compassion, community, and the connection between people and marine life — while also showcasing the beauty of Clearwater to a national audience.”

The project will feature original music and a country-influenced soundtrack, Country Mile Entertainment said.

This is the first holiday title in a developing slate of country-music-inspired film and television projects.

“Christmas in Clearwater is personal for everyone involved,” Harris said. “The aquarium’s mission — rescue, rehab, release — gave us a story with real heart, and the Clearwater community welcomed this production like family. This is exactly the kind of storytelling we built Country Mile to do.”