Kristoffer Polaha Taps Southern Talent for Mimics Directorial Debut

Kristoffer Polaha has always been the kind of leading man audiences root for, especially in the world of Hallmark movies. Now, he’s shaking things up with his feature film directorial debut, Mimics.

This indie thriller is a real change of pace for Polaha. Backed by a team rooted in Southern filmmaking, the project’s already turning heads. Here’s a look at what makes this film tick, the leap he’s taking, and why it just might be the gutsiest move of his career.

Kristoffer Polaha’s Bold Leap Behind the Camera

Polaha’s been a fixture on TV, charming folks in Hallmark favorites like A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, A Biltmore Christmas, and the Mystery 101 series. He’s even popped up in big movies like Wonder Woman 1984 and The Shift.

But directing? That’s a new adventure for him.

With Mimics, Polaha wears two hats—director and star. The story centers on Sam, a struggling impressionist who makes a risky deal with a sinister puppet named Fergus.

What starts as a shot at fame quickly turns into something much darker. There’s psychological tension, horror, and a lot of emotional weight—definitely not your typical Hallmark fare.

A Dream 30 Years in the Making

Polaha decided to film Mimics in his hometown of Reno, Nevada. For him, it was more than just a location—it was a dream he’d held onto for decades.

After years spent traveling from set to set, coming home to direct his first feature felt personal. Reno gave the film its backdrop, but a lot of the creative heart came from the South.

Polaha’s built strong ties to the region through both work and family.

The Southern Filmmaking Powerhouse Behind the Scenes

When it came time to find a trusted collaborator, Polaha turned to Ken Carpenter, a producer based in Franklin, Tennessee. They’ve worked on four films together, building a creative partnership that’s pretty rare.

Polaha’s praised Carpenter for his storytelling instincts and casting savvy. He’s said Carpenter’s involvement shaped the film in ways he didn’t expect, especially during script development and post-production.

Why Ken Carpenter Was the Secret Weapon

Making an indie film is tough. There’s no big studio safety net, so everyone ends up doing a bit of everything.

Polaha was juggling directing and acting, plus all the unpredictable bits that come with indie projects. Carpenter’s experience really mattered, especially in:

• Script Development: Sharpening the story and emotional beats
• Casting Insight: Finding talent that lifted the whole project
• Post-Production Guidance: Keeping the creative vision on track
• Production Leadership: Helping keep things moving when obstacles popped up

Nashville’s Growing Influence in Hollywood

One of the coolest things about Mimics is how it highlights the rise of Southern filmmaking. Nashville’s playing a bigger role than ever in film and TV.

Even though they shot in Nevada, Carpenter brought in talent from Nashville’s growing creative scene. Several cast members came from the area, adding to the city’s reputation as a hub for new voices.

The Nashville Talent Who Helped Shape the Film

Actors like Jason Marsden and Jesse Hutch, both Nashville locals, joined the cast. Most notably, Moriah Smallbone took on the leading lady role opposite Polaha.

Her performance brings real emotional depth to the film. Carpenter moved to Franklin, Tennessee years ago, and he’s convinced it’s the perfect time to build a creative base in the South.

Filmmakers these days don’t always relocate productions—they live and recharge in places like Nashville, then take their projects wherever they need to go.

A Hallmark Star Takes a Creative Risk

The most surprising thing about Mimics is how far it strays from Polaha’s usual roles. Fans who know him from holiday romances might do a double-take at the film’s darker, genre-blending style.

That was very much on purpose.

Stepping Far Outside the Comfort Zone

This film is an allegory about envy and love—ultimately, love wins out. That gives the story some unexpected emotional layers beneath the horror elements.

Polaha brought in Stephen Tobolowsky, a Texas native and familiar Hallmark face, to play Grandpa. Tobolowsky adds gravitas and warmth, and he apparently saw the film as more than just a scare-fest—it’s got heart and some real things to say about being human.

The Little Engine That Could

Indie films are never easy—tight budgets, fast schedules, and the constant scramble for distribution. Still, Mimics stands out as a project its creators are genuinely proud of.

There’s something thrilling about seeing a familiar face take the reins. Polaha’s reputation for being collaborative and respectful on set seems to have carried over to his directing style.

The cast and crew pulled together, and that sense of goodwill and shared purpose really came through during production.

And honestly, you can usually feel that kind of energy when you watch the finished film.

Why This Film Could Change Everything

If Mimics lands with audiences, it could be a real turning point for Polaha. Not a departure from acting, but maybe the start of a new chapter—actor and filmmaker, side by side.

Plenty of performers dream about that sort of evolution. Not many actually pull it off.

Polaha’s leaning on trusted collaborators here. He’s also tapping into local filmmaking talent, which is always refreshing to see.

The story he chose isn’t what you’d expect from him, either. He’s not just the guy in front of the camera—he’s taking some genuine risks as a storyteller.

Mimics hits theaters nationwide on February 13. Whether you’re a die-hard Hallmark fan or just curious about bold indie films, this one’s probably going to catch you off guard.

Let’s be honest: Kristoffer Polaha isn’t just the charming holiday movie lead anymore. Now, he’s the creative force behind a film that’s darker, riskier, and honestly, kind of thrilling to anticipate.