*Mary J Blige is producing two new Lifetime original movies inspired by her biggest hits.
According to a news release, “Mary J. Blige’s Real Love” and “Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman” will premiere back-to-back in June. The movies are headlined by Ajiona Alexus (Empire,13 Reasons Why) and Da’Vinchi (BMF, All American) with Princess Davis, Austin Anozie, Millan Tesfazgi, Shiraine Haas, Garfield Wilson and Hamza Fouad rounding out the cast.
Both films, per the synopsis, explore “the highs and lows of young Black love.”
Blige will serve as an EP for both films. Director Camrus Johnson will helm “Real Love” from a script written by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram. Shari Lynette Carpenter will direct “Strength of a Woman” from a script penned by Ingram.
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Per the network’s news release:
Mary J. Blige’s Real Love follows 18-year-old Kendra (Alexus) as she sets off on her own for the first time at an HBCU in North Carolina. Attending on a scholarship, Kendra is determined to focus on school while balancing work study and keeping things professional with Ben (Da’Vinchi), her photo class partner. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and even an unexpected pregnancy, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learning the meaning of “Real Love.” Even when Kendra realizes that in order to pursue her dreams, she must leave Ben behind, it’s certain that their story isn’t over.
The story of Kendra and Ben continues in Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman, jumping ahead more than 15 years. Now a successful photographer, Kendra finds herself in a failing marriage and must reckon with the decisions she made for the life she thought she wanted. When Ben unexpectedly comes back into her life, she is forced to a crisis point and must dig deep to find the strength to take control of her life and accept the love Ben may be offering again.
“Real Love and “Strength of a Woman” are produced by Front Street Pictures and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Blige will produce both titles through her own production banner, Blue Butterfly with Ashaunna K. Ayars and Q. Nicole Jackson as co-producers.
The films will premiere on Lifetime on June 10 at 8p/7c.
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