( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) Actor Essence Atkins’ New Film, “Christmas Dilemma,” Marks Hers First Film Directing
ENSPIRE Contributor: Taylor Groft
TV One today announced the premiere date for its new original holiday film, “Christmas Dilemma,” is set for Sunday, Dec. 6th, at 7 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. CT with an immediate encore at 7 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT. The film marks the first project directed by Essence Atkins and builds on her long-standing relationship with TV One. Atkins’ TV One credits include original films such as “Girlfriend’s Getaway” and its sequel, along with “Coins For Christmas,” and “Coins For Love.” Filmed in Atlanta, the movie stars BJ Britt (“Being Mary Jane” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Brittany Hall (“Ballers” and “Satisfaction”), Carl Anthony Payne II (“Martin” and “5th Ward”), and Christopher B. Duncan (“Black Lightning” and “The Jamie Foxx Show”).
“I am blessed to have the opportunity to collaborate with TV One once again to direct my first movie,” Atkins said. “I am immeasurably grateful for the opportunity to helm a film that I can declare I’m proud of. This entire experience has taught me so much and was a true delight.”
“This will undoubtedly be a different kind of holiday, so we thought an offbeat Christmas comedy was the perfect choice,” said Robyn Green Arrington, VP programming and production. “Additionally, having consistency behind-the-scenes during this unpredictable time was a must, so working long-time production partner, Swirl was a no-brainer. Continuing our tradition of giving deserving and prepared talent an opportunity to diversify, made the decision to have Essence Atkins at the helm of this movie easy.”
“Christmas Dilemma” follows a newlywed couple Jay (Britt) and Monica (Hall), as they struggle to decide which set of in-laws they should join for their first Christmas. After each pleads their case and even attempts a little trickery, they decide to bypass the guaranteed disappointment of picking one family over the other. Unbeknownst to them, the decision is made for them when their families show up at their homes unexpectedly. Drama ensues as the in-laws’ clash, long-lost relatives decide to make an appearance, and Jay’s grandmother joins the holiday festivities accompanied by her caretaker, who just happens to be Jay’s gorgeous ex-girlfriend.
“Christmas Dilemma” cast includes:
- BJ Britt as Jay
- Brittany Hall as Monica
- Carl Anthony Payne II as Eddie
- Christopher B. Duncan as Howard
“Christmas Dilemma” is produced for TV One by Swirl Films, with Eric G. Tomosunas and COO Robert A. Boyd II, serving as Executive Producers. James Seppelfrick, Ron Robinson, and Keith Neal serve as producers for Swirl Films. For TV One, Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production, Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting, and Robyn Greene Arrington is Vice President of Original Programming and Production. For more information about TV One’s upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network’s companion website at tvone.tv. TV One viewers can join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hashtag #CHRISTMASDILEMMA.
