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First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story

First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story is an American biographical crime drama film written by Gabrielle Collins and Tressa Azarel Smallwood and directed by Vivica A. Fox.[1] The film stars Michelle Mitchenor as Tonesa Welch. The film follows Welch's rise from a teenager's mother to a drug dealer in Detroit, referred as "First Lady" of the notorious Black Mafia Family.[2] The film also starring Tobias Truvillion, Leon, Jessica "Jess Hilarious" Moore, Faith Malonte, Tristan Fazekas and Kellie Shanygne Williams, while Tonesa Welch make a cameo appearance.

The film was released by BET+ on October 5, 2023.[3] At the 55th NAACP Image Awards, First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story was nominated for a Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special and Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special (Fox).[4]

Cast

  • Michelle Mitchenor as Tonesa Welch
  • Tobias Truvillion as Harvey
  • Leon as Emerson
  • Jessica “Jess Hilarious” Moore as Lisa
  • Kellie Shanygne Williams
  • Faith Malonte as Terry Flenory
  • Tristan Fazekas as Meech Flenory
  • Daphnique Springs as Carla
  • Quentin Alexander as Gordon
  • D'Andre McKenzie as Corey
  • Tonesa Welch as herself

Production

On March 10, 2023, it was reported that BET+ ordered First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story, a biopic about Tonesa Welch, directed by Vivica A. Fox and produced by Judge Greg Mathis.[5] On April 27, 2023, it was reported that Michelle Mitchenor, Tobias Truvillion, Leon, Jessica "Jess Hilarious" Moore, Faith Malonte, Kellie Williams, Daphnique Springs and Tristan Fazekas would star in the film.[6] Tonesa Welch made a cameo appearance in the movie.[7] Smallwood was also the film's executive producer, and for Fox, First Lady of BMF was her directorial debut. The filming took place in April, 2023 in Washington, D.C.[8]

References

  1. ^ "First Lady Of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story: Vivica A. Fox Emotionally Recalls The Journey To Her Directorial Debut". Yahoo! News. October 5, 2023.
  2. ^ Tinubu, Aramide (March 18, 2023). "BMF: Tonesa Welch Will Finally Get Her Story Told on BET+". Cheat Sheet.
  3. ^ Hailu, Selome (September 12, 2023). "BET+ Sets Fall Premiere Dates Including Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy and First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
  4. ^ Jackson, Angelique (January 25, 2024). "Colman Domingo, Ayo Edebiri, Victoria Monét and Usher Lead NAACP Image Award Nominations". Variety.
  5. ^ Cordero, Rosy (March 10, 2023). "BET+ Greenlights Biopic The First Lady Of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story". Deadline Hollywood.
  6. ^ Grobar, Matt (April 27, 2023). "Tobias Truvillion, Leon & Jessica "Jess Hilarious" Moore Join Michelle Mitchenor In BET+ Biopic First Lady Of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story From Director Vivica A. Fox". Deadline Hollywood.
  7. ^ "First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story - Interview". The Official Black Magazine.
  8. ^ "First Lady of BMF: Tonesa Welch Story Subject, Executive Producer Talk Development of Biopic (Exclusive)". Pop Culture. 9 October 2023.