Mary J. Blige Expands Partnership with Lifetime for New Film Featuring Tisha Campbell, Mekhi Phifer, and Russell Hornsby

Mary J. Blige is enhancing her collaboration with Lifetime through a new three-picture deal that features original films inspired by her music. The first film, titled Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy, draws its name from her iconic 1994 song, part of the acclaimed album “My Life.”

Be Happy marks the directorial debut of Gabourey Sidibe, known for her notable roles in Precious and Give Me Back My Daughter. The film boasts a talented cast, including Tisha Campbell from Martin, Mekhi Phifer of ER, and Russell Hornsby, who stars in BMF.

The narrative centers around Val (Campbell), a 50-year-old wife and stay-at-home mother. As her youngest child heads off to college, she faces the challenges of an empty nest, resulting in feelings of loneliness and emotional distance from her husband, Ross (Hornsby). Val begins to confront the possibility that both her marriage and her own identity are at risk of fading away.

A spur-of-the-moment trip to New Orleans to support her pregnant daughter, Kayla (Zing Ashford), rekindles Val’s long-forgotten dreams and leads her to Peter Mosley (Phifer), a charismatic photographer who sees her in a new light. This journey prompts Val to rediscover her artistic spirit and question whether it’s ever too late to prioritize her own happiness and seek the love she deserves.

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Gabourey Sidibe will make her directorial debut in Blige’s new Lifetime film, Be Happy

Previously, Blige has adapted song titles such as “Real Love,” “Strength of a Woman,” and “Family Affair” into television movies for Lifetime. These projects have collectively drawn an audience of over 6.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen data.

Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy is produced by Blige’s Blue Butterfly Productions in collaboration with Monami Productions, Motion Entertainment, and Swirl Films for Lifetime. The film features Blige as an executive producer, alongside co-producers Bruce Miller and Milana Edwards Brooks. Additional producers include Mona Scott-Young and Angela White, while Nick Roses, Mychael G. Chinn, Stephanie R. Gayle, and Michael Lang are among the executive producers for Monami Productions. Chet Fenster serves as an executive producer for Motion Entertainment, and Eric Tomosunas for Swirl Films. Gabourey Sidibe directs from a screenplay by Cameron J. Ross.