CHICO, Calif. - One of this season's most popular Netflix movies, “A California Christmas" has close ties to Butte County.

The movie has been trending worldwide since it's release date on Dec. 15. Both the film's director and one of the leading actresses were raised in Chico. 

Actress, Amanda Detmer, says the response has been overwhelming. "I think everyone is flipping out a little bit, it was such a low budget film and it's surprising to everyone, as much fun as we had doing it, you never know what's gonna catch on," shared Detmer.

Director and Chico Native, Shaun Piccinino says, "Everybody is so grateful that the audience has found it, and the response has been positive. Obviously, it has the word Christmas in it and that's kinda the countdown clock for the movie. But there's no blanket snow or anything like that, so it's not your typical Christmas movie."

Detmer added, "Probably if we weren't in a pandemic, it may not have gotten the attention it's gotten,  so small movies like this can be seen and watched and Netflix has brought so much of that forward, everyone is at home, and this film is great for the whole family and that's what everybody wants."

Piccinino says he hopes to someday bring film production to Chico.

He adds that the outpouring from his hometown has been astonishing. "I just want to say thank you," he added.

On Tuesday it was announced that after the unexpected popularity of the film, it will be getting a sequel. It will be called "A California Christmas: City Lights."