Finding light and love: Albuquerque-based Lisa Hepner pens 'Christmas Checklist' which is streaming online

Lisa Hepner knows what it takes to write a film.

When the Albuquerque resident began to write the script for “The Christmas Checklist,” she was in a place of mourning.

Her mother had died and making time to type the script was a form of grieving.

“I thought to myself that this film will provide some comfort and peace to the viewers,” Hepner says. “I’m hoping it will resonate with audiences.”

“The Christmas Checklist” tells the story of Emily, who has recently lost her mother and is grieving. She feels obligated to complete her mother’s list of 12 activities before Christmas; along the way, she meets freelance writer Noah, who offers to help.

The film is available to stream on Roku, Tubi, Peacock and Prime Video. There is also a four-part series which aired in Canada that is available on YouTube.

As Hepner wrote, the script flowed seamlessly out of her.

“My mom passed away in June 2019,” she says. “It’s been four years now and it takes awhile to sell these movies. I wrote it in December 2019, and the original script took me 10 days to write. It felt divinely inspired by my mom.”

Finding light and love: Santa Fe-based Lisa Hepner pens 'Christmas Checklist' which is streaming online

Hepner has written Christmas movies before and found herself working with Nicely Entertainment.

“They took a chance on me with this one,” she says. “The story isn’t the typical warm and fuzzy Christmas movie. It’s about grief and so many of us go through it. During the holidays, it can get a lot worse.”

Nicely Entertainment distributed it as a four-part series which aired in Canada.

When it began to stream in the United States, Hepner says the four-hour series was cut again to around 90 minutes.

“To be honest, I was nervous to see the final result,” she says. “We did have an amazing editor who got it right. It doesn’t miss a beat.”

As the film got another avenue via Roku and Prime Video, Hepner finds herself in a place of grieving again.

“I lost my dad on Nov. 8,” she says. “I’ve also been blogging about it. The movie helps me cry and it also reminds me of the legacy of the loved ones that left us. If you are going through loss, I want this movie to be a reminder that you aren’t alone. The love still remains. It’s important to focus on the love and light.”

Sarah Power and Jared Joseph star in the film as Emily and Noah.

“Sarah is a big deal and starred in ‘The Good Witch,’ ” Hepner says. “The two of them really brought the story to life.”

Hepner says viewers can visit thechristmaschecklist.com to download their own checklist to deal with grief.

SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.