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[03/23/23 - 11:10 AM]
From Grammy and Emmy Award Winning Artist and Executive Producer Mary J. Blige, Comes Two New Original Movies Inspired by Her Best-Selling Songs "Real Love" and "Strength of a Woman," Starring Ajiona Alexus and Da'Vinchi
Princess Davis, Austin Anozie, Millan Tesfazgi, Shiraine Haas, Garfield Wilson and Hamza Fouad round out the cast and portray the highs and lows of young Black love.

[03/02/22 - 09:01 AM]
Lifetime Expands Programming Portfolio with Mary J. Blige
Blige will serve as an executive producer on the original film through her own production banner, Blue Butterfly, alongside Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson.







REAL LOVE (LIFETIME)
BROADCAST HISTORY:
6/10/23
STATUS:
telefilm/mini-series in the can
DESCRIPTION:
(from Lifetime's press release, March 2023) The "Queen of Hip Hop Soul," will be the queen of this summer with two new original movies inspired by Mary J. Blige's biggest hits -- Mary J. Blige's Real Love and Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman, set to premiere on back-to-back Saturdays, beginning June 10 at 8p/7c. The two-pack of 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 and portrays the highs and lows of young Black love. 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.
PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
· Ajiona Alexus as Kendra
· Austin Anozie
· Da'Vinchi as Ben
· Garfield Wilson
· Hamza Fouad
· Millan Tesfazgi
· Princess Davis
· Shiraine Haas
CREW INFORMATION:
· Ashaunna Ayars as CO-PROD
· Camrus Johnson as DIR
· John Davis as EP
· Jordan Davis as EP
· Mary J. Blige as EP
· Nicole Jackson as CO-PROD
· Rachel Ingram as WRTR
· Sonja Warfield as WRTR
GENRE(S):
· mow
STUDIO INFORMATION:
· Blue Butterfly
· Davis Entertainment
· Front Street Pictures
· Sony Pictures Television