HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES KICKS OFF PRODUCTION ON "THE CHRISTMAS BOND" STARRING HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE, LYRIQ BENT AND NIK SANCHEZ

STUDIO CITY, CA - September 20, 2021 - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries announced today that production is set to begin on "The Christmas Bond" (working title), a new 2021 holiday movie, starring Holly Robinson Peete ("The Christmas Doctor," "Meet the Peetes"), to air later this year as part of the network's "Miracles of Christmas" programming event. In addition to Robinson Peete, who is an executive producer on the project, the network has cast Lyriq Bent (Acrimony) and Nik Sanchez ("The Rookie") who, like the character he portrays, is on the autism spectrum.

In the story, as a single mom (Peete) and her teenaged son with autism (Sanchez) come to a crossroad during Christmas, she must learn to let go so he can flourish and finds her own heart healing in unexpected ways.

Robinson Peete, a parent of a young man with autism who has been a vocal advocate for over 20 years through her organization, HollyRod Foundation, shared the importance of bringing the story to screen. "I am making this movie for my son RJ, others with autism and their families," said Robinson Peete. "I am grateful to Hallmark for bringing this story to screen with authenticity, respect and hope."

"Holly Robinson Peete is a tremendously talented actor and creative collaborator," said Randy Pope, Senior Vice President, Programming & Development. "We are excited and honored to help her bring this personal and beautiful story to life."

"The Christmas Bond" is a Box Road Production. Orly Adelson, Holly Robinson Peete, Allen Lewis and Denielle Jackson are executive producers. Charles Cooper is producer. Kevin Fair directs from a script by Marcy Holland from a story by Camille Thomasson.

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