Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist and executive producer Mary J. Blige, often known as the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul,” announces the premier of two original films inspired by her chart-topping hits: Mary J. Blige’s Real Love and Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman. These anticipated releases will light up screens on back-to-back Saturdays, June 10 and June 17.
Produced in collaboration with John and Jordan Davis, Ashaunna K. Ayars, and Q. Nicole Jackson, these films star acting talents 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 completing the ensemble.
Mary J. Blige’s Real Love is a coming-of-age story set in an HBCU in North Carolina, following 18-year-old Kendra (Alexus) navigating her life amidst disapproving parents, financial hardship, and an unexpected pregnancy. In Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman, the narrative fast-forwards over a decade, showing Kendra grappling with the fallout of her life choices.
Lifetime has partnered with Take Back The Night Foundation®, a non-profit dedicated to ending sexual violence, in support of the films.
These productions benefit from the formidable expertise of Jordan Davis, known for Lifetime’s highly rated film, Love You to Death, and John Davis, a veteran film and television producer with over 115 top-grossing feature films to his credit. Mary J. Blige, with a proven track record of successful Lifetime productions, serves as an executive producer through her Blue Butterfly banner.
Both films also find their roots in Front Street Pictures and are distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Real Love is directed by Camrus Johnson, with a script penned by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram. Shari Lynette Carpenter takes the helm as director of Strength of a Woman, with scriptwriting by Ingram.
Mary J. Blige continues to broaden her creative horizons, using her iconic songs as stepping stones to explore the emotional complexities of the human experience, especially among young Black Americans. As an artist, Blige continues to break boundaries, promising her fans an unforgettably cinematic summer.
For a taste of what’s to come, check out the teaser trailers review here below.
