First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story
Biographical film by Vivica A. Fox
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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, in her directorial debut.[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 stars Tobias Truvillion, Leon, Jess Hilarious, Faith Malonte, Tristan Fazekas and Kellie Shanygne Williams, with Welch making a cameo appearance.
Tressa Azarel Smallwood
- Greg Mathis
- Donte Lee
- Delece James
- Tonesa Welch
| First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story | |
|---|---|
| |
| Directed by | Vivica A. Fox |
| Written by | Gabrielle Collins Tressa Azarel Smallwood |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Edited by | Charles Jones |
| Music by | Teddy Alexander Bishop |
Production company | MegaMind Media |
| Distributed by | BET+ |
Release date |
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Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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 an 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
- Jess Hilarious 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 film.[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]