The BET+ original film, which premieres Dec. 19, follows three lifelong friends who find themselves competing against each other to have the home with the best Christmas decorations and how friendships are put to the test
view Queens of Christmas movie trailer
We had a chance to interview The Cast of "The Christmas Movie", The cast shared their views about getting into the holiday spirit with their personal families and about their upcoming BET+ original movie, Queens of Christmas, which premieres Dec. 19. how friendships are put to the test before the ladies learn the true meaning of sisterhood. See interview below
view interview with cast
Why did you write this film?
Screenwriter Chad Quinn drew inspiration from personal experiences when crafting the story, bringing an authentic touch to the film’s narrative.
“As a girl dad and a husband, I pulled a lot when writing this story from my own wife’s story of her best friend.” Quinn added: “We wanted to get back to the spirit of celebrating unity and not, you know, getting caught up in division.”
Chad Quinn (writer): Well, I always like the challenge. You know, I’ve been blessed to write a lot of films and a lot of Christmas movies, but to be honest with you, you get tired of the same tropes, right? So you’re like, how can I still do something that the people are expecting but with the unexpected? And then when you have this talent. That’s a blessing. You know, Pierre, I give him so much credit as the commander in chief for putting this cast together. But I think it’s just like you want to tell which stories to happen to be around Christmas, because, you know, if you are a holiday person, you have your favorites, you know, you have your favorites that I know when I see “A Christmas Story” come on, I have to watch a scene or two if I don’t watch the whole thing. I’m always trying to push myself to create modern day classics.
What do you want fans to get out of the movie
Aasha Davis (Lily): I feel like Chad did what he set out to do, which is, which is to create a different Christmas movie. I love Christmas movies. Even with the formula of it. I know what’s going to happen. But what I love about our movie is that it’s, it’s different. You’re going to see different things. You’re still going to get that Christmas spirit, but it’s so fun. And even the competitiveness is fun. And that even though the intention was to separate, and like everyone did separate for a bit, but then you find the unity in the holiday spirit. And that’s what it’s all about. It’s getting together whether you want to or not.
The cast of Queens of Christmas
The film stars Essence Atkins as Nancy, Terri J. Vaughn as Dorris, and Vanessa Bell Calloway as Julia. These ladies are no strangers to television. It was personally such a delightful treat to see some of our leading ladies in television back on the screen. Terri J. Vaughn as Doris Griffin, Vanessa Bell Calloway as Julia Mason, Essence Atkins as Nancy, Tyler Kay Whitley as Vanessa Griffin. In the film — lifelong friends who must now compete against each other when a big-time TV exec rolls into town looking for the home with the best Christmas decorations.
What makes the film resonate is the genuine chemistry and lifelong friendship of its leading ladies, transforming a competitive premise into a touching narrative about sisterhood.
THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD
Each actress brings depth and nuance to her character, creating a rich tapestry of female relationships that goes beyond typical holiday movie tropes.
Calloway was particularly drawn to the project’s celebration of mature women in film, a narrative often overlooked in Hollywood’s youth-centric storytelling.
“Sisterhood is what drew me to the movie. We’re often asked to play the mothers of young girls, but this story let us be the stars—it was about us. In this industry, once you’re over 40, they act like you should disappear. I loved that this movie was about mature women with full lives and the sisterhood they share,” Calloway shared.
The film’s unique approach to holiday storytelling sets it apart from traditional Christmas movies. By focusing on the rich inner lives of mature women and their complex relationships, “Queens of Christmas” offers a refreshing take on the holiday film genre. It challenges viewers to look beyond surface-level celebrations and appreciate the true meaning of friendship, community, and mutual support.
The film offers a comedic and heartwarming story that follows life-long friends and feuding neighbors Doris and Julia in their hilarious quest to claim the annual “Queen of Christmas” title.
With its blend of humor and heart, the movie promises to be a standout addition to the holiday film genre, exploring the complexities of long-standing friendships and community competition.
“Queens of Christmas” promises to deliver comedy and heart, offering an inspiring message about unity and friendship just in time for the holiday season. The film premieres December 19, exclusively on BET+.
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