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We’re excited to announce our upcoming slate of original movies that will focus on culturally authentic, inspirational, and entertaining stories geared toward the African American community. Be sure to also take a peek at our upcoming shows!

Take a look at our upcoming films:

REPRESENTING REAL PEOPLE

When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story

 

Premiere: August 28

Inspired by an episode of TV One’s original series For My Man, this is the tragic story of Falicia Blakely (Lil Mama), a teen mom who grows up in the fast-lane. When she becomes an exotic dancer, she attracts the attention of local pimp and predator, Dino (Lance Gross). His empty promises of a life together turn Falicia into a pawn in his dangerous games; and she’s forced to prove her love for him at the expense of innocent lives. Tami Roman (Basketball Wives, Belle’s), Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Big Freedia, and Lil Zane round out the cast.

The movie also marks the directing debut of acclaimed actress Tasha Smith (For Better Or Worse, Empire). The screenplay is executive produced and written by industry veteran Cas Sigers-Beedles, who previously wrote and executive produced the TV One movies Welcome to the Family and Girlfriends Getaway 1 &2.

 

REPRESENTING BLACK MUSIC

Bobbi Kristina

Premiere: 2017

Bobbi Kristina is the made-for-TV biopic, inspired by the life of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s only child. Bobbi Kristina Brown grew up in the shadow of her uber famous/rockstar/superstar parents’ spotlight. This film offers an intimate look at the highs and lows/ebb and flow of parental, familial and romantic love complicated by fame through the eyes of a sensitive, vulnerable young woman.

Her high-profile life – and death – may have been shrouded in mystery, but this film will reveal her humor, her quirks, her deepest fears and longings as well as her fight to be seen, heard, loved, and to survive. The narrative structure takes the viewer on a dramatic journey of memories, conflict, perseverance, faith, friendship, visions and ultimately love — the love of a man and a woman…the love of a father and a daughter…and the bond between a mother and a child.

 

Who Can I Run To: The Xscape Story

Premiere:  2017-2018

This original film is based on the story of 90s R&B quartet Xscape, whose rise to fame and group implosion was told on an episode of TV One’s award-winning docu-series, Unsung. Comprised of sisters LaTocha and Tamika Scott, and classmates Kandi Burruss and Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, the R&B quartet formed a sisterhood as strong as their sound, recording the #1 hits “Just Kickin’ It,” “Understanding” and “Who Can I Run To?” Since their breakup in 1998, attempts to reunite the group have failed with lingering bitterness and deep seeded anger playing out on public forums.  The film is being produced in partnership with legendary music producer and So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri, the label that produced Xscape’s three platinum albums.

 

All This Love: The DeBarge Family Story

Premiere:  Fall 2018

This original film focuses on the story of the DeBarge family, one of the most popular family groups in American music history, as told by the family matriarch, Etterline Abney. After her marriage and family with Robert DeBarge, a handsome white soldier, goes through a turbulent unraveling, she relocates her children to Illinois. The children begin singing in her brother’s church. Two of the brothers record a demo tape that, with the help of Jermaine Jackson, falls into the hands of Motown founder Berry Gordy – and the rest is history. DeBarge is a story whose tale is woven with music, fame and success, romance, drugs, sibling rivalry – and bonded by the glue of Abney’s love that strains to keep them all together.

 

 

REPRESENTING OUR LEGACY

Behind the Movement: The Rosa Parks Story

Premiere:  February 2018

Written by noted screenwriter and author Katrina O’Glivie (Saints and Sinners), this is the unique and fast-paced retelling of how Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat launched the history-making Montgomery Bus Boycott. This film recounts the inner workings and the behind the scenes preparation that took place in three intense days of December 1955, to launch the most successful boycott of its time.

 

REPRESENTING NEW VOICES

Downsized

Premiere:  September 2017

Ebony (Nicole Ari Parker) and Michael (Boris Kodjoe) were forced into a modern “shotgun” wedding after becoming teenaged parents, putting their personal goals on hold in order to support their family. Amazingly, the two high school sweethearts managed to overcome the odds and establish a seemingly ideal life for themselves. However, the success that initially was meant to strengthen their family has become the very thing that is driving them apart. As a result, Michael desperately tries to hold onto everything he’s worked his entire life to gain. This leads the family on an unconventional adventure to restore the faith, hope, and trust that initially brought them together.

The original film is written by Michelle McKissic, a finalist in the 2016 TV One Screenwriting Competition at the American Black Film Festival.