Naman Shrestha
Inspired by Mary J. Blige’s eponymous hit song, Lifetime’s ‘Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair’ is the third installment in the trilogy following ‘Mary J. Blige’s Real Love’ and ‘Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman.’ Picking up right where the previous part ends, the romantic drama movie continues Kendra and Ben’s love story as the couple relocates to a different place in order to start afresh together. However, in their picture-perfect life, some unexpected tensions arise that are multiplied due to the involvement of their respective families in their lives.
Moreover, not only does the couple struggle with fertility issues, but things get worse when she can’t seem to get on the good side of Ben’s son, Miles. When Kendra finds out that Ben helped out his brother without letting her know, she moves back to the city. As someone from her past reenters her life and puts their relationship in jeopardy, the families join forces to save it and reunite the estranged couple. The dynamics of the relationship between Ben and Kendra change multiple times throughout the film in different spaces, including their new house, thus enhancing the visual appeal of the film.
Where Was Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair Filmed?
Following the pattern of the previous installments in the trilogy, the shooting for ‘Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair’ also seemingly took place entirely in British Columbia, primarily across Metro Vancouver. According to reports, principal photography for the third and final part of the film series got underway in September 2024 and likely wrapped up in October of the same year.
Metro Vancouver, British Columbia
Most of the pivotal sequences for ‘Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair’ were lensed in and around Vancouver, which is situated in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland region. The production team supposedly set up camp in different parts of the city to tape various indoor and outdoor scenes. Judging from the filming patterns of the previous two installments, the cast and crew members might have traveled to other cities outside of Vancouver, such as Langley and Abbotsford, both falling within Metro Vancouver.
Besides using actual establishments to represent closed spaces in the film, it is likely that the filming unit also made the most of the facilities of a production studio in the metropolitan area. When it comes to establishing shots, you might be able to spot various tall buildings, such as Living Shangri-La, the Paradox Hotel Vancouver, the Vancouver House, One Wall Centre, and more. Over the years, the area has hosted the production of multiple movies and TV shows. Some of the notable ones include ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,’ ‘Midnight Sun,’ ‘Always Be My Maybe,’ ‘I Love You, Beth Cooper,’ ‘The Age of Adaline,’ and ‘Virgin River.’
Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair Cast Details
The cast of ‘Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair’ is led by Ajiona Alexus and Da’Vinchi. Besides co-starring in the Lifetime trilogy, the two actors also worked together in Starz’s ‘BMF, where Ajiona portrays Kale and Da’Vinchi plays the role of Terry “Southwest T” Flenory.
Ajiona Alexus as Kendra
Ajiona Alexus reprises the role of Kendra in ‘’Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair.’ Widely recognized for her role as De’Anna in ‘The Rickey Smiley Show’ and Sheri Holland in ‘13 Reasons Why,’ she also stars in various other shows like ‘Empire’ as Young Cookie and Teenage Loretha, ‘Light as a Feather’ as Candace Preston, and ‘Runaways’ as Livvie. The Alabama native also has several movies to her credit, such as ‘Breaking In,’ ‘Sons 2 the Grave,’ and ‘Something Like Summer.’
Da’Vinchi as Ben
Opposite Ajiona stars Da’Vinchi, who portrays Ben, Kendra’s partner, in the Lifetime production. You might find his face familiar as he stars in movies and TV shows of various genres, thanks to his versatile acting skills. The Haitian-American actor can also be seen in titles such as ‘The Way Back,’ ‘The Disappearance of Mrs. Wu,’ ‘Grown-ish,’ ‘The Boys,’ and ‘All American.’
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